Ontario has expanded eligibility for COVID-19 antiviral treatment and PCR testing to those who may be at higher risk of serious illness. This offers increased protection to the most vulnerable and helps maintain hospital capacity.
“Ontario Health, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, is working with health care partners to ensure eligible patients are assessed and able to access COVID-19 treatment medications,” says Dr. Chris Simpson, Executive Vice President (Medical), Ontario Health. “For higher-risk patients, it is important to be assessed and begin treatment
within the first few days of showing symptoms. By having multiple points of access, more Ontarians can benefit from these treatments.”
The following higher-risk groups are eligible to be tested and assessed for antiviral treatments, such as Paxlovid, in Ontario:
• over 18 years old and immunocompromised (have an immune system that is weakened by a health condition or medications)
• aged 70 and over
• aged 60 and over with fewer than three vaccine doses
• aged 18 and over with fewer than three vaccine doses and at least one risk condition (e.g., a chronic medical condition)
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.
Anyone who is eligible for an assessment is now also eligible for a PCR test at any testing centre in Ontario. Ontario has also made it easier for eligible individuals with a prescription to access antivirals by expanding dispensing locations to include participating pharmacies across the province. A list of pharmacies that are dispensing Paxlovid is available at Ontario.ca/antivirals. The list will be regularly updated as the list of participating
pharmacies expands.
Treatment for antivirals must be started within five days of symptoms in most cases. Anyone who thinks they might be at higher risk of serious illness and has COVID-19 symptoms should:
• contact COVID, Cold and Flu Care Clinic
• contact their primary care provider (for example, their family doctor)
• visit a COVID-19 clinical assessment centre
• call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000
• For those who don’t have timely access to a primary care provider or live in community without clinical assessment centres, testing centres may be able to connect people to treatment. Contact a local testing centre for more information.
Individuals can access Ontario’s antiviral screener tool to help determine if they are at higher risk and should be assessed for treatment. A positive rapid antigen test, PCR or rapid molecular test is required as part of the assessment for antiviral treatment. Rapid antigen tests remain available for pick up at no charge from over 3,000 retail locations in the province.
Ontario Health and the Ministry of Health are working with health system partners and health care providers to also prioritize groups that may be at increased risk due to other health-related factors and barriers to health care including First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals, Black individuals and members of other racialized communities.
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 above.
These treatments are an important tool to protect against serious illness due to COVID-19, but they are not substitutes for vaccines. The best defence against COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. Learn where to get vaccinated and book an appointment today.
Ontario Health is an agency created by the Government of Ontario with a mandate to connect and coordinate our province’s health care system to help ensure that Ontarians receive the best possible care.