Pharmacists can now prescribe Paxlovid – the antiviral treatment for COVID-19. The province has given prescribing authority to about 170 select pharmacies across the province, as well as select physicians and nurse practitioners. There is no fee to receive the Paxlovid tablets.

The provincial government says the decision to prescribe Paxlovid must take into consideration patient risks, current medications and underlying conditions. Eligibility criteria is strict, and residents will be screened to ensure the criteria is met. Treatment with Paxlovid must start within five days of symptom onset. It is not a treatment to prevent COVID-19 infection.

Click here for the list of places with prescribing authority.

Paxlovid is only recommended for adults over 18 who meet the following conditions:

-test positive (PCR or rapid test) with mild or moderate COVID-19 symptoms;
-do not have any medical conditions that would make treatment inappropriate;
-are not taking any medications that may cause potential drug interactions; and
-if you are immunocompromised, regardless of vaccination status;
-70 years and older with designated risk factors, regardless of vaccination status or
meet one of the following criteria:
-have a medical condition that puts you at high risk and are not fully vaccinated; or
-are 55 to 69 years old and not fully vaccinated.