If you're aged 70 years or older and test positive for COVID-19 you can access antiviral treatments. These treatments help reduce the risk of severe disease and hospitalisation from COVID-19.
People aged 50 years and older with two or more risk factors for severe disease, and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged 30 years and older with two or more risk factors for severe illness, are also eligible.
Risk factors for these groups include:
- living in residential aged care
- living with disability with multiple conditions and/or frailty (but not limited to living in supported accommodation)
- neurological conditions like stroke or dementia and demyelinating conditions e.g. multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre Syndrome
- chronic respiratory conditions including COPD, moderate or severe asthma
- obesity or diabetes (type I or II requiring medication)
- heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies
- kidney failure or cirrhosis
- living remotely with reduced access to higher level healthcare.
Antiviral treatments are most effective when administered as soon as possible, so it’s important to get tested when you start developing symptoms.
To discuss eligibility for COVID-19 treatments, call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 to discuss your eligibility. A clinical team is available 24 hours, 7 days.
Your usual GP or a GP Respiratory Clinic can provide you with a prescription. Antivirals are available at your local community pharmacy, find your nearest participating pharmacies.
You can also discuss your eligibility for COVID-19 treatments with your GP before testing positive so you can access treatment early.
For more information, visit the Treatments for COVID-19 page on the SA Health website.