Province increased public access to PCR testing to include more high-risk individuals
As of April 12, the following higher-risk groups are eligible to be tested and assessed for antiviral treatments, such as Paxlovid, in Ontario:
- Individuals aged 18 and over who are immunocompromised (have an immune system that is weakened by a health condition or medications);
- Individuals aged 70 and over;
- Individuals aged 60 and over with fewer than three vaccine doses; and
- Individuals aged 18 and over with fewer than three vaccine doses and at least one risk condition (e.g., a chronic medical condition)
Anyone who is eligible for an assessment is now also eligible for a PCR test at any testing centre in Ontario.
Accessing Paxlovid, COVID-19 Antiviral Treatment
- Paxlovid is currently only available to patients who have been confirmed to have COVID-19 and are within five days of their symptom onset.
- Paxlovid dispensing locations have been expanded to include participating pharmacies across the province.
- Health care providers may also determine if antiviral treatment is appropriate for patients based on individual circumstances even if they do not belong to one of the groups listed.
*Public messaging encourages anyone who may be at higher risk of severe outcomes (based on the criteria and the Ministry COVID-19 antiviral treatment screener) to seek testing and an assessment. Clinicians will need to assess these patients and determine whether treatment is appropriate.
A list of pharmacies that are dispensing Paxlovid is available at Ontario.ca/antivirals and this list will be updated regularly. There are several pharmacies throughout the HPE area.
The following resources may be helpful for clinicians to assess eligibility for Paxlovid:
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