Albertans with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms at high risk of developing the severe disease will soon have a second option for early treatment.
The first shipments of Paxlovid will be available to Albertans starting Jan. 31. The initial supply will be limited, so eligibility will be determined for those who benefit the most. This medication can cause side effects, so it will be available only by prescription after an assessment by a clinician.
Paxlovid is the first COVID-19 treatment approved by Health Canada that can be taken orally at home. The second COVID-19 early treatment option available in Alberta after Sotrovimab was made public last year.
Treatment with the medication must be started within five days of the onset of symptoms and is intended for use by individuals who have immunosuppressive conditions, are unvaccinated and over the age of 65, or are unvaccinated and over 18 with pre-existing medical conditions that put them at higher risk of severe illness or death.
Eligibility for Paxlovid
Paxlovid is used in patients who have a confirmed COVID-19 infection, are within five days of experiencing their first symptoms and meet specific medical criteria.
Eligible conditions include:
Individuals who have no contraindications and one of the following immunocompromising conditions, regardless of vaccination status:
- transplant recipients
- oncology patients who have received chemotherapy or other immunosuppressive treatment since December 2020
- inflammatory conditions, such as:
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- lupus;
- inflammatory bowel disease;
Individuals who have no contraindications are unvaccinated and:
- age 65 and older
- age 18 and older with a pre-existing health condition, including:
- diabetes (taking medication for treatment)
- obesity (BMI >30)
- congestive heart failure
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and moderate to severe asthma
Accessing Paxlovid
Albertans who meet the eligibility criteria can call Health Link at 1-844-343-0971.
HealthLink staff will ask screening questions and refer Albertans to a health professional to confirm eligibility and arrange for treatment, if appropriate.
Albertans are asked not to call pharmacies or physician offices directly.
Booking vaccination appointments
Albertans are encouraged to do their part to protect themselves and others from severe outcomes by getting every vaccine dose they are eligible for. Appointments can be booked online with participating pharmacies or AHS using the Alberta vaccine booking system. Albertans can also call 811, participating pharmacies or participating physicians’ offices.
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