Health Canada's approved oral antiviral pill to treat COVID-19, Paxlovid, is now available for eligible residents in Saskatchewan.

Paxlovid is for treatment of symptomatic COVID-19 following a positive test, not for prevention of COVID-19.

Taken in tablet form for five days it stops the virus from multiplying in the body to help people with lower immunity to COVID overcome the infection and prevent progression to hospitalization.

Paxlovid is recommended for adults over 18 who are symptomatic and within 5 days of developing symptoms, people that test positive, through either a rapid test, or a PCR test for mild or moderate COVID-19 and do not have any medical condition that would make treatment inappropriate and meet one of the following criteria: are immunocompromised, regardless of vaccine status, are 55 and older and not fully vaccinated or have a medical condition that puts them at high risk and are not fully vaccinated.

Saskatchewan has received 900 courses from the federal supply but further supplies are expected.

Paxlovid is only being provided to eligible patients through referral by HealthLine 811. Do not visit your family doctor or local pharmacy to request this medication.

While the province supports new treatments for those most at risk for severe COVID-19 illnesses, vaccination remains the best tool available to prevent hospitalizations.