Tuesday, 26 March 2024
    Millions gain access to Covid treatment
    12
    Jul
    Health Care

    Millions gain access to Covid treatment

    All Australians aged over 70 who test positive to COVID will be able to access antivirals on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), Aged Care Minister, Mark Butler has announced, Mirage News reports..

    Access will also be expanded to people aged over 50 with two or more risk factors for severe disease, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged over 30 with two or more risk factors for severe disease. Immunocompromised people over 18 may also be eligible.

    COVID-19 can be very serious for adults in high-risk groups, even when they are fully vaccinated.

    For these people, new oral antiviral treatments help keep people out of hospital, reducing the pressure on our health system, and can save lives.

    More than 73,000 Australians have already benefited from these medicines.

    The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommended the changes in response to the latest evidence on the effectiveness and safety of the medicines, current usage data and the changing epidemiology of COVID-19.

    Following PBAC’s advice, the Albanese Government has also expanded the criteria to include people who have a broader range of chronic respiratory issues.

    There is also greater access for adults living with disability who have multiple medical conditions.

    Antiviral treatments, taken as a tablet or capsule, help to stop COVID-19 infection from becoming severe – but they need to be started early after testing positive.

    If you are an older person, or an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, or live with chronic disease or disability that puts you are higher risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19, please talk to your doctor now about your COVID-19 treatment options. Your doctor can help determine your exact eligibility.

    FULL STORY

    Millions of Australians to gain access to COVID treatments (Mirage News)

    PHOTO

    Tmaximumge / Pxhere