Access to the oral COVID-19 treatment Paxlovid just got easier, according to the provincial government.
Pharmacists can now perform assessments and prescribe the drug, which the province says will make it easier for eligible patients to access this health care option.
Treatment eligibility now includes anyone who recently tested positive for COVID-19, is experiencing mild to moderate symptoms and is at risk of severe outcomes from the virus.
This includes people who are immunocompromised, have chronic medical conditions or are seniors.
Previously, New Brunswickers had to visit a physician or nurse practitioner within five days of the onset of symptoms to find out if they were eligible.
Paxlovid is the first oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19 approved by Health Canada. The drug is currently approved for people with mild to moderate symptoms.
A list of participating pharmacies is available here.