“For patients at higher risk, it is important to evaluate and start treatment within the first few days of the onset of symptoms. “By having multiple access points, more Ontarians can benefit from these treatments.” Chris Simpson, Executive Vice President (Medicine), Ontario Health.
The following higher risk groups are eligible for screening and evaluation for antiviral therapies, such as Paxlovid, in Ontario:
• over 18 years old and immunosuppressed (you have an immune system that is weakened by a health condition or medication)
• aged 70 years and over
• 60 years of age and older with less than three doses of the vaccine
• 18 years of age and older with less than three doses of vaccine and at least one risk condition including chronic
medical conditions
Healthcare providers can also determine if antiviral therapy is appropriate for patients based on individual circumstances, even if they do not belong to one of the groups listed.
Anyone eligible for evaluation is now eligible for PCR testing at any test center in Ontario.
Ontario has also made it easier for eligible prescribers to access antiviral drugs by expanding distribution locations to include participating pharmacies across the province. A list of Paxlovid-based pharmacies is available at Ontario.ca/antivirals. The list will be updated as the list of participating pharmacies expands.
Antiviral therapy should be started within five days of the symptoms in most cases. Anyone who thinks they may be at higher risk for serious illness and have symptoms of COVID-19 should contact their primary care provider or visit a COVID-19 clinical evaluation center. Individuals are also encouraged to call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
Ontario Health and the Department of Health work with health care partners and healthcare providers to prioritize groups that may be at increased risk due to other health-related factors and barriers to health care, including First Nation individuals. and Me´tis. Blacks and members of other tribal communities. Healthcare providers can also determine if antiviral therapy is appropriate for patients based on individual circumstances, even if they do not belong to one of the groups listed above.
These treatments are an important tool for protection against serious diseases caused by COVID-19, but they do not replace the vaccines that are currently the best defense against the virus.
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