Paxlovid is now available in Saskatchewan, the first Health Canada-approved oral antiviral (pill) to treat COVID-19. The treatment consists of taking a pill twice a day for five days. It stops the virus from multiplying in the body, to help people with lower immunity to COVID-19 overcome the infection and prevent progression to hospitalization.

The province has received 900 courses but is expecting more supply in the coming weeks. The current supply has been distributed to select community pharmacies across the province to be accessible to eligible residents, once they've received a referral. Paxlovid is only being provided to eligible patients through referral by HealthLine 811. It can not be prescribed by a family physician or pharmacy. People can also call the HealthLine to assess their eligibility.

People eligible for the treatment are those aged 18 years or older regardless of vaccination status who are asymptomatic or within 5 days of developing symptoms, those who test positive through a PCR or rapid test, and immunocompromised people.

The province is working with Indigenous Services Canada to ensure access for First Nations and Métis communities.

Paxlovid is not a treatment to prevent COVID-19 nor is it a substitute for vaccination.

For more information on antiviral and antibody treatments available, click here.