New antiviral treatment for COVID-19 will be mostly set aside for use in older unvaccinated individuals and immunocompromised Ontarians
A new antiviral drug that can be used to treat COVID-19 will be primarily set aside for use in older unvaccinated individuals and immunocompromised Ontarians.
The Ford government has released new eligibility guidelines that provide the first look at how it will distribute its limited supply of Pfizer’s Paxlovid pill, the first shipment of which arrived in the province last week.
The government says that it is prioritizing individuals at “the highest risk of severe outcomes,” including unvaccinated Ontarians age 60 and up and unvaccinated Ontarians aged 50 and up who also have one or more specific risk factors.
The government will also make all immunocompromised individuals aged 18 and up eligible, regardless of their vaccination status, as well as all unvaccinated First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals aged 50 and up.
In order to access the drug those eligible will have to first test positive for COVID-19 and the Ford government says that it is now introducing “expanded COVID-19 assessment centres” where Ontarians will be able to access both testing and “outpatient therapeutics,” such as Paxlovid.
It says that the testing centres will have access to multiple testing options, including rapid tests, to asses those who may be eligible for treatment.
However, not all assessment centres will have the drug on hand.
According to data from the clinical trials, the Paxlovid pill was found to be 89 per cent effective at reducing the risk of hospitalization and death after a full course of treatment (three pills twice daily for five days in a row).
The Ontario government has said that it expects to receive approximately 10,000 courses of treatment in January.
“Given the very limited supply of antivirals, not all patients who meet the clinical eligibility criteria will be guaranteed access to treatment,” the government warns on a new website set up to provide information about antiviral treatments.
Paxlovid was approved by Health Canada on Jan. 17.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.