Jason Copping, Minister of Health. (Government of Alberta)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Starting April 1, 2022

Paxlovid to be available at more Alberta pharmacies

Mar 30, 2022 | 4:44 PM

Starting April 1, more Alberta pharmacies can supply COVID-19 antiviral medication to eligible residents.

Paxlovid is the first COVID-19 treatment approved by Health Canada that can be taken orally at home. Government officials say about 375 Albertans have received prescriptions since Jan. 31, when the drug became available in Alberta.

Due to limited supply, Paxlovid was initially available in Alberta at 135 pharmacies. As supply increases, however, any interested pharmacy in the province will be able to order Paxlovid treatments, thereby improving convenient access to Albertans. Pharmacies providing Paxlovid in their communities can be found online.

“Having a reliable supply of at-home treatments for COVID-19, such as Paxlovid, is critical to lowering the risk of severe outcomes for those who are unvaccinated or have serious medical conditions,” said Jason Copping, Minister of Health,, on Wednesday. “However, the best protection continues to be vaccination. Rather than waiting to need treatment, I continue to encourage Albertans to get ahead of COVID-19 and get vaccinated, including boosters.”

Albertans who meet eligibility criteria must call Health Link at 1-844-343-0971. Health Link staff will ask screening questions to confirm eligibility and arrange for next steps. Paxlovid must be started within five days of the onset of COVID-19 symptoms.

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Albertans are asked to not call pharmacies or physician offices directly.

COVID-19 vaccine appointments can be booked online with participating pharmacies or AHS by using the Alberta vaccine booking system. Albertans can also call 811, participating pharmacies or participating physicians’ offices.