(nirmatrelvir tablets and ritonavir tablets) will be available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to people between 50–59 years with mild to moderate COVID-19, with one additional risk factor from 1 July 2023.
- PAXLOVID is the first oral treatment of its kind; it includes nirmatrelvir, a 3CL (or main) protease inhibitor that was specifically designed to combat SARS-CoV-2.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, JULY 2023 – From 1 July 2023, the eligibility criteria for access to PAXLOVID® (nirmatrelvir tablets and ritonavir tablets) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will be expanded to include people between 50–59 years with mild to moderate COVID-19, with one additional risk factor for developing severe disease. Previously, people aged 50–59 years were required to have two additional risk factors.
This follows the expansion on 1 April 2023 to include people between 60–69 years with mild to moderate COVID-19, with one additional risk factor for developing severe disease, rather than two additional risk factors.
PAXLOVID is the one COVID-19 oral anti-viral medicine to receive these two expanded PBS eligibility criteria in the past three months.1
Dr Krishan Thiru, Pfizer Australia and New Zealand Medical Director said: “Government data shows that Australians are still being hospitalised, are still being admitted to ICU and sadly in some cases not surviving from COVID-19, and most of those people have risk factors for serious illness.2
“This widening of PBS eligibility criteria means many more Australians most at risk of severe disease may be able to access PAXLOVID through the PBS if they test positive for COVID-19, and take treatment at home,” Dr Thiru said.
PAXLOVID is available on the PBS for those with mild to moderate COVID-19 confirmed by a PCR or a RAT test who meet the following criteria:3
- People 70 years of age or older;
- [From 1 July 2023] People between 50 to 69 years, with one additional risk factor for developing severe disease;
- People 30 years of age or older, identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, with one risk factor for developing severe disease;
- People 18 years of age or older, who are moderately to severely immunocompromised;
- People 18 years of age or older who have been previously hospitalised from COVID-19 disease, if subsequently reinfected.
There are a range of factors that increase an individual’s risk of serious illness, hospitalisation, and death from COVID-19. These include age, health conditions or whether someone is taking treatments for another condition. There are other factors such as living in a remote community or living in residential care that may make someone eligible for anti-viral medicines.3 Australians can confirm if they are at higher risk of developing severe disease from COVID-19 and their eligibility for oral anti-viral medicines by checking at www.health.gov.au, covidantiviral.com.au, or speaking to their doctor.
Recent Pfizer research showed three in five people were unaware whether they would be eligible for anti-viral treatment should they test positive.4
“As we age, we tend to have more risk factors for developing severe disease, so it’s important to have an early discussion with your GP or nurse practitioner about whether oral anti-viral medicines suit your health needs, and to develop a plan if you test positive to COVID-19,” said Dr Thiru.
“It is also important we help protect ourselves and our loved ones. We need to practice COVID-safe behaviours where we can. Stay up to date with vaccinations according to government recommendations. If you do get symptoms that could be COVID-19, do a test and then if you are positive, speak with a health professional to see what you can do to help protect yourself,” Dr Thiru said.
PAXLOVID is a prescription only oral medicine taken twice-daily for five days. It should be taken as soon as possible after a diagnosis of COVID-19, and within five days of symptoms appearing.5
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