The Ontario government has released a list of participating pharmacies that will dispense the COVID-19 antiviral pill Paxlovid by a prescription. Those locations will include Shoppers Drug Mart on Front Street along with Loblaw Pharmacy in the Real Canadian Superstore. The antiviral treatment comes in the form of pills that are ingested orally for those who are at a higher risk of progressing to severe disease or hospitalization due to the virus. Taking the pills must begin with in five days of symptoms in most cases, the government said. Aside from the more than 1,700 participating pharmacies, the antiviral pills are also available at hospitals and assessment centres. Information on those who are eligible for the pill assessment can be found on our website.
Those eligible for assessment for antiviral pills include:
Individuals aged 18 and over who are immunocompromised.
Individuals aged 70 and over.
Individuals aged 60 and over with fewer than 3 vaccine doses.
Individuals aged 18 and over with fewer than 3 vaccine doses and at least one risk condition.
The government notes a health-care provider may recommend the treatment even if one does not belong to the eligible groups based on individual circumstances.
A person must also test positive for COVID-19, either on a PCR tests or a rapid test.