Alberta will begin distributing the antiviral medication Paxlovid to eligible COVID-19 patients on Monday, Jan. 31.

Health Minister Jason Copping said the first shipment of the at-home prescription treatment will be for 3,200 courses.

Paxlovid can be given to adults 18 and older who are positive for COVID-19, are experiencing mild or moderate illness and who are at high risk of becoming more seriously ill.

Health Canada approved the drug last week.

Because of the limited supply and the side effects it can cause, only some groups of people will be eligible to receive the treatment.

The health minister said those who need it most will be given first access.

The pill will only be prescribed to those who meet the criteria and have a confirmed positive case of COVID-19 from a PCR test. Individuals must also be within five days of the onset of their first symptoms.

For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca/news/8536754/alberta-covid-19-update-january-25-2022/

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