Banff 
Starting Jan. 31st, the Alberta government is making Paxlovid, an antiviral pill by Pfizer to residents with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms who are at high risk of developing serious disease.
Pfizer Canada
According to the press release, since the initial supply will be limited, the government is making the pill available to only those who will benefit the most – 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.
Paxlovid is the first COVID-19 treatment approved by Health Canada that can be taken orally at home and the second COVID-19 early treatment option available in Alberta after Sotrovimab was made available last year.
As per the Health Canada approval, treatment with the medication must be started within five days of the onset of symptoms.
“It’s important that we keep as many Albertans out of hospital as possible. Having Paxlovid available for Albertans to use in their homes is just one more way we can do that. Due to supply and where it will provide the most benefit, access to Paxlovid will be limited initially, but we will continue to press the federal government for more supplies, ” said Premier Jason Kenney.
According to Pfizer, the medication has side effects. Hence, Paxlovid will be available only by prescription after an assessment by a clinician.
Eligibility for Paxlovid
Paxlovid is for use in patients who have a confirmed COVID-19 infection, are within five days of experiencing their first symptoms and meet certain 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
How to get 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.
