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How can I get the COVID-19 Antiviral Medication?

29 Jun 2023

More Australians can now access COVID-19 antiviral treatments with the government expanding eligibility for those who are most at risk. Here’s everything you need to know.

What are COVID-19 Antivirals?

COVID-19 antiviral treatments, which are taken as a tablet or capsule, work to help stop the COVID-19 infection from becoming severe. They target the SARS-COV-2 virus and stop it from either replicating or from making the proteins needed to survive and cause infections.

COVID-19 antiviral medications need to be taken as soon as possible after COVID-19 symptoms begin for them to be effective.

Who is eligible for COVID-19 Antiviral?

People at higher risk of severe illness are eligible for COVID-19 antiviral treatments. You may be eligible for an oral COVID-19 antiviral medicine if you:

  • are 18 years and older, and
  • have COVID-19, and
  • are at higher risk of becoming very sick.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should not have oral COVID-19 treatments. Instead, ensure you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations.

If you have severe kidney or liver disease you should talk to your doctor about alternative COVID-19 antiviral oral treatments.

Can I get a script for the COVID-19 Antiviral via telehealth?

If you test positive to COVID-19, you should contact your telehealth doctor for advice about eligibility first. If your doctor recommends oral antiviral treatments, you will need a prescription.

You can easily request a telehealth consult via the Our Sage app or website and speak to our network of Australian-licenced, AHPRA-registered GPS, experienced in treating a wide range of medical conditions in person, or via telehealth.

If you need to stay at home and need a medical certificate for time off work or for carer’s leave due to COVID-19, Our Sage makes it easy to get a valid medical certificate from anywhere in Australia.

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