Paxlovid is a medicine that helps fight COVID-19. It’s made by Pfizer and works by stopping the virus from spreading. In the UK, you can get it with a prescription if you’re at high risk of getting very sick.
The people in charge have said it’s okay to use Paxlovid for adults who are mildly or moderately ill and might need extra help.
Paxlovid is an antiviral medication used to treat COVID-19 in adults who do not require supplemental oxygen and are at increased risk for severe disease. In the UK, Paxlovid has received a Conditional Marketing Authorisation from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This means it is approved for use under specific conditions and requires a prescription.
Paxlovid is not available for purchase over-the-counter.
Instead, it is only accessible through a prescription from a healthcare provider. Eligible patients must test positive for COVID-19 and be in the highest risk group for severe illness. They can obtain a prescription by contacting their GP surgery, NHS 111, or a hospital specialist.
Additionally, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended Paxlovid for an estimated 5.3 million people who are at increased risk of severe COVID-19.
This includes individuals with certain cancers, those who have had a haematological stem cell transplant, people with liver or kidney disease, and others. Eligible patients can pick up free rapid lateral flow tests from participating pharmacies and, if they test positive, they can be referred for an assessment for COVID-19 treatment.
In summary, Paxlovid is available through prescription and government distribution programs for those at highest risk of severe COVID-19.
Paxlovid is only available through a prescription from a healthcare provider, such as your GP surgery, NHS 111, or a hospital specialist.
To obtain a prescription, you must test positive for COVID-19 and be at high risk of severe illness.
You can also check with the National Health Service (NHS) website for more information on how to access Paxlovid in the UK.