Paxlovid, the first Health Canada-approved oral antiviral (pill) to treat COVID-19, will be available for eligible residents starting Wednesday, January 26.
Eligibility – Paxlovid is for treatment of symptomatic COVID-19 after a positive test — not for prevention of COVID-19 infection. It is taken in tablet form twice a day for five days. It stops the virus from multiplying in the body, to help people with lower immunity to COVID-19 overcome the infection and prevent progression to hospitalization.
Paxlovid is only recommended for adults over 18 who:
• are symptomatic and within five days of developing symptoms;
• test positive (PCR or rapid test) for mild or moderate COVID-19;
• do not have any medical conditions that would make treatment inappropriate; and meet one of the following criteria:
o are immunocompromised, regardless of vaccine status;
o are 55 and older, and not fully vaccinated; or
o have a medical condition that puts them at high risk and are not fully vaccinated.
Those who believe they meet the criteria must call HealthLine 811 for further assessment of their eligibility.
Paxlovid is only being provided to eligible patients through referral by HealthLine 811. Do not visit your family physician or pharmacy to request this medication.
Saskatchewan has received a limited quantity (900 courses) from the federal supply but further supplies are expected. The current supply has been distributed to select community pharmacies across the province to be accessible to eligible residents, once they’ve received a referral. This includes working with Indigenous Services Canada to ensure access for First Nations and Métis communities.
For more information on antiviral and antibody treatments available, visit saskatchewan.ca/covid-19.
Treatment is No Substitute for Vaccination – While Saskatchewan supports new treatments for those most at risk for severe COVID-19 illnesses, vaccination remains the best tool available to prevent hospitalizations and death due to COVID-19. Immunization does not offer absolute protection against COVID-19 but improves your body’s defense against the virus. It is safe and effective.
All Saskatchewan residents age five and older are eligible to be fully vaccinated, and residents age eighteen and older are eligible for third/booster doses. Certain at-risk populations are now also eligible for fourth doses.
There are more than 70,000 COVID-19 immunization appointments available through the Saskatchewan Health Authority clinics in addition to those offered by pharmacies throughout the province. Stick it to COVID and book your immunization today.
