COVID antivirals

Information for community

Oral antiviral medicines allow people at risk of progressing to severe disease to receive treatment for COVID-19 in their own homes. People who have tested positive to COVID-19 are encouraged to check their eligibility for antiviral treatments and/or speak to their doctor. People who are eligible for COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments include:

  • People 70 years and older regardless of risk factors with or without symptoms
  • People 50 years and older with two additional risk factors
  • Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Peoples, 30 years or older with one risk factor
  • People with chronic respiratory issues due to conditions such as COPD, moderate or severe asthma.
  • People aged 18 years or older, if they test positive and are moderately to severely immunocompromised, may be eligible for antiviral treatments.

To check eligibility criteria, click here or call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080.

To access antiviral treatments, speak to your GP. Eligible people will receive a prescription. If you can't get an appointment with a GP or a GP Respiratory Clinic, contact the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department.

Information for primary health care providers

Practices and pharmacies are encouraged to proactively identify at-risk patients and put plans in place to support their access to timely care, including antiviral and other early therapies if they contract COVID-19, influenza or other respiratory viruses. To access a list of local pharmacies click on the buttons below (last updated 29 August 2022).

 

For more information and resources:

 

 

Page last updated 19 December 2022