COVID-19 Antiviral Medicine FAQ - Rangiora & Woodend Pharmacy

COVID-19 Antiviral Medicines – What You Need to Know

There are two COVID-19 antiviral medicines available in New Zealand to treat early COVID-19 at home. Taken within the first few days of symptoms, these medicines can help reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation. COVID-19 antivirals are only available to people who meet specific eligibility criteria.

Important – Keeping Everyone Safe

If you have tested positive for COVID-19, are a household contact, or are feeling unwell, please do not come into the pharmacy. For your safety and ours, we can provide your consultation over the phone and arrange contact-free delivery of your medication straight to your home.

Who is eligible for free Covid 19 antiviral medicines?

You must have tested positive, or have had symptoms in the last five days, and are a Household Contact of a positive case.

And must also either:

have a severely weakened immune system
have Down syndrome
have sickle cell disease
be aged 65 years or older, or
are of Māori or Pacific Island ethnicity AND aged 50 years or over, or
are aged 50 years or over and have not had a primary course of COVID-19 vaccinations (at least two), or
have any combination of three or more high risk medical conditions for severe illness (conditions as defined by the Ministry of Health guidelines), or
have been previously admitted to an intensive care unit directly as a result of COVID-19 and have tested positive again.
do not require supplemental oxygen

You can see more detailed list of eligibility criteria on Pharmac's website here.

What if I have a prescription from my doctor?

You must test postive before the medicines can be dispensed by a pharmacist.

You can submit your prescription to our pharmacy for dispensing and delivery here.

Can I get a prescription directly from our pharmacy?

Yes, if you fit the eligibility criteria. Our pharmacists may be able to supply COVID-19 antivirals without a prescription - contact us for more information.

Can I come to the pharmacy to collect my Covid-19 medicine?

Do not come into the Pharmacy if you have tested positive. If you get COVID-19 you must self-isolate for at least 7 days and cannot leave your home. If you are eligible for Covid-19 medicines, you can arrange to have them delivered by friends, whānau, or your pharmacy.

Our pharmacy has a local delivery option we can talk to you about on our consult for the supply of Covid-19 medicines.

We may also be able to deliver over-the-counter medicines to help you in your recovery from COVID-19.

**Information from the Pharmac website.

Unichem Medical Corner Pharmacy

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