Collingwood pharmacies dispensing COVID-19 antivirals

With expanded access to COVID-19 antivirals, Ontario has released a list of pharmacies dispensing the treatment. 

Earlier this week, the province opened up access to antiviral treatment such as Paxlovid to additional higher-risk groups. The criteria have also been loosened for who can get the gold-standard PCR test that provides lab-confirmed results included in Ontario data.

Five Collingwood pharmacies — Collingwood Health Centre, Loblaw, Rexall, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Stuart Ellis — are dispensing the antiviral treatment to those with prescriptions.

There is also access in other communities, including: 

Stayner

• Pharmasave
• Rx Drug Mart

Wasaga Beach

• Drug Store Pharmacy (45th St. S.) 
• Major's Guardian Pharmacy (River Road W.) 
• Mini-Majors Pharmacy (Ramblewood Dr.) 
• Shoppers Drug Mart (Mosley St.)

Meaford 

• Meaford IDA Pharmacy
• Rexall

For antiviral treatment, a positive rapid antigen test, PCR or rapid molecular test is needed. Treatment must be started five to seven days from the start of symptoms.

The groups that access was expanded to this week are:

• Immunocompromised people 18 years and over 
• People who are 70 years and older 
• People 60 and over with fewer than three vaccine doses
• People 18 years and over with fewer than three vaccine doses and at least one risk condition such as a chronic medical condition

More information on antivirals and how to access them is available here.