Eligibility for potentially lifesaving COVID-19 antiviral treatments has been expanded following new recommendations from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC).
Announcing the eligibity expansion, Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler said all Australians aged over 70 who tested positive to COVID could now access antivirals on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
“Access will also be expanded to people aged over 50 with two or more risk factors for severe disease, [and] Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged over 30 with two or more risk factors for severe disease,” Mr Butler said.
“Immunocompromised people over 18 may also be eligible,” he said.
“COVID-19 can be very serious for adults in high-risk groups, even when they are fully vaccinated.”
Mr Butler said the new oral antiviral treatments could help keep people in high-risk groups out of hospital, reduce the pressure on our health system, and save lives.
The Minister said PBAC recommended the changes in response to the latest evidence on the effectiveness and safety of the medicines, current usage data and the changing epidemiology of COVID-19.
He said that following the Committee’s advice, the criteria had been expanded to include people who had a broader range of chronic respiratory issues.
“There is also greater access for adults living with disability who have multiple medical conditions,” he said.
Mr Butler encouraged people to speak with their GP and make a plan for what to do if they got COVID, “so you can start taking antivirals as soon as possible after your positive result.”
“Two antivirals are on the PBS meaning these remarkable treatments that normally cost more than $1,000 will only be $6.80 for a concession card holder, and around $40 for everyone else,” he said.
“People can get antivirals after speaking to a doctor, but they need to act fast.
Further information on COVID-19 treatment can be accessed at this PS News link.
