If you are aged 70 years and over, have a chronic medical condition or a compromised immune system, you may be eligible for oral antiviral treatment if you test positive to COVID-19.
Early treatment with oral antiviral medication can help stop COVID-19 infection from becoming severe and reduce the need for hospital care.
COVID-19 oral antiviral medicines are available with a prescription from a GP and the cost is subsidised under Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Medication is taken morning and night for five days. It’s important you finish your course of medicine, even if your symptoms are mild, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Find more information about eligibility for COVID-19 treatments on the SA Health website.
Preparing for COVID-19 oral treatments
Planning your treatment ahead of time is important. Antiviral medicines work best when taken as soon as possible, regardless of how mild your symptoms are.
Antiviral medicines must be commenced within five days of your symptoms starting.
Discuss your eligibility for antiviral medicine and the medicine that’s most suitable with your GP before you test positive so you can access treatment early.
Accessing COVID-19 oral treatments
Your usual GP or a GP Respiratory Clinic can provide you with a prescription for COVID-19 antiviral treatments.
Antivirals are available at your local community pharmacy. Find your nearest participating pharmacy.
If you are unable to pick up the medicine yourself, the prescription can be sent to your pharmacy electronically. The antivirals can be collected by a friend or family member, or they can be delivered to your home.
Finding an available GP
If you test positive to COVID-19, call your regular GP to arrange a telehealth appointment as soon as possible. Let them know you have tested positive and require antiviral medication.
If you are unable to get an appointment with your regular GP, GP Respiratory Clinics and the SA Health Respiratory Pathway offers face to face and telehealth assessment of symptoms, antiviral scripts and initial management with ongoing care transitioned back to the usual GP. No referral is needed and bookings can be made online or over the phone. These services are free for everyone and are strictly by appointment only.
If you are unable to get an appointment with your regular GP or a GP Respiratory Clinic, call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080. A nurse will provide information and advice on managing symptoms, antiviral eligibility and access, and when and where to seek help.
Testing for COVID-19
Antiviral treatments are most effective when administered as soon as possible, so it’s important to get a COVID-19 test when you start developing COVID-19 symptoms.
Close contacts and eligible concession card holders can access free rapid antigen tests from RAT Collection Points across the state. You must register online prior to collecting your free tests.
Find more information and register on the SA Health website.
Protecting yourself from COVID-19
There are things you can do to help reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19:
- Wear a mask when required and when in indoor public places.
- Get tested and stay home if you’re sick
- Physical distance
- Practice good hand hygiene
- Get your COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccines.
All people aged 50 years and older are now recommended to have a fourth COVID-19 vaccination dose to provide greatest protection against severe disease and hospitalisation from COVID-19.
More information on COVID-19 vaccination is available on the SA Health website.