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:
- COVID-19 Positive Community Care and Treatment HealthPathway
- Click here for details on the updated eligibility and risk factors.
- The PBS has a comprehensive fact sheet with information for prescribers and pharmacists.
- Click here to access Evusheld™ prescribing resources to support GP and non-GP specialist prescribing. For more information or support: Covid+pathways@health.vic.gov.au
- Find participating community pharmacies
- The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia produces a resource called, Don’t Rush to Crush. It includes advice on what options are available for people eligible for COVID-19 oral treatments, who have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules.
- COVID-19 drug interactions
- A helpline (03 8290 3801) staffed by Alfred Health pharmacists is available 8am-5pm every day to support prescribers of COVID-19 oral antivirals.
- For more support e: covax@murrayphn.org.au
Page last updated 19 December 2022