Access to the antiviral Paxlovid, used against COVID-19, has been extended to new target customers and is now distributed in all pharmacies in Quebec.
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The drug will now be available for use after a positive screening test result and a prescription from a doctor or specialist nurse practitioner (NPS).
An adult with moderate to severe immunosuppression, an unvaccinated or partially vaccinated person over the age of 60 or a Quebecer over the age of 18 with a high-risk condition can obtain the antiviral.
This is also the case for pregnant women, adolescents weighing at least 40 kg and fully vaccinated patients who have at least a risk of complications from COVID-19.
Paxlovid treatment should be given when a person has had symptoms for less than five or seven days depending on their treatment, the Department of Health and Human Services said.
The antiviral received the green light from Health Canada on January 17. It could reduce the likelihood of hospitalization in vulnerable patients by up to 89%.
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Reference-www.journaldemontreal.com