Canada’s first COVID-19 treatment that can be taken at home is now available to New Brunswickers with the virus who are considered to be at high risk of severe outcomes.
Starting today, Paxlovid, an antiviral treatment, will be prescribed through primary care providers at no cost to the patient.
“New Brunswickers know how to use public health measures to help prevent COVID-19. Now we have a way to reduce the severity of the infection in high-risk patients,” Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health, said in a news release.
Eligibility requirements include:
- 80 years of age or older
- 18 years of age or older and immunocompromised
- 50-79 years of age and not fully vaccinated
- 50-79 years of age and living in a long-term care setting, receiving home care, from or living in a First Nations community
Authorized by Health Canada in January, Paxlovid — a combination of two antiviral drugs — works by stopping the virus from multiplying. According to Health Canada, it’s intended to be used after the diagnosis of COVID-19 and within five days of the onset of symptoms.
Booster eligibility
Upon guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, New Brunswick will begin administering a second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to people over 50 as of April 19.
An end to the vaccination clinics run by regional health authorities means pharmacies will be required to carry the bulk of the load for the fourth dose.
“Most New Brunswick pharmacies will continue to offer COVID-19 vaccinations, including second booster doses when they are available,” said Jake Reid, executive director of the New Brunswick Pharmacists Association.
“Vaccination is the most important step you can take to help protect yourself against COVID-19. As the Omicron and BA.2 variants continue to circulate across the province, it is never too late for people to get vaccinated to help protect themselves, their families and their communities against COVID-19.”
According to the release, New Brunswick Public Health continues to evaluate a second booster dose for adults under the age of 50, adolescents aged 12 to 17, those living in other congregate or vulnerable settings, and those who work in vulnerable sectors, including health-care workers.
As age is among the highest risk factors for severe outcomes and hospitalization, Public Health “strongly recommends” a second booster for individuals aged 70 and over and long-term care residents.
