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Pharmacists can prescribe Paxlovid treatment starting next week

Sylvia Jones, Ontario Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
Sylvia Jones, Ontario Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. Photo by ERROL MCGIHON /Postmedia Network

Ontario pharmacists will be allowed to prescribe Paxlovid for treatment of COVID-19 symptoms starting Monday, Health Minister Sylvia Jones has announced.

The anti-viral treatment is available for free to eligible individuals considered more likely to experience severe symptoms of the illness.

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“By increasing access to these treatments in more convenient ways we are helping to keep people healthier and reduce COVID-19-related hospitalizations,” Jones said Thursday. “Paxlovid prescriptions will remain available through other channels with our primary care providers and clinical assessment centres. This change will expand access and offer increased protection to our most vulnerable and mitigate pressures on the province’s hospitals.”

In order to receive Paxlovid, a person must have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 that began in the past five days and tested positive.

Eligible individuals include those who are 60 years of age or older, 18 years of age or older and immunocompromised, 18 to 59 years of age and have chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart or lung disease, or are not up-to-date with vaccinations.

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Pharmacists will not be compelled to offer Paxlovid prescriptions but Jones noted about 4,000 pharmacies currently dispense the treatment.

Justin Bates, CEO of the Ontario Pharmacists Association (OPA), said this step leverages the pharmacists’ expertise, training and education.

“Now we can reduce the barriers to make sure that more Ontarians have access to this important medication,” Bates said. “And what we’re trying to do with all of this is work together in an integrated fashion with all of the health care providers to make sure that Ontarians can get the medications they need when they need it.”

aartuso@postmedia.com