31 Mar 2022

Covid-19: Health Minister on antiviral pill's arrival

From Morning Report, 7:25 am on 31 March 2022

Health Minister Andrew Little says anyone who meets the criteria for Covid antiviral drugs will get them, whether they're vaccinated or not.

Paxlovid has arrived in the country and will be available next week.

Doctors prescribing the pills will consider age, disability and whether a person is immunocompromised.

Little told Morning Report people will have to see their GP in person to get a prescription.

Pharmac has also secured access to the antiviral drug Molnupiravir and preventative medicine Evusheld, both of which still need Medsafe approval.