Australian Government

From March 1, a prescription-only COVID-19 treatment will be available on the PBS for Australians at highest risk of developing severe COVID-19.

Lagevrio® (molnupiravir) is an oral anti-viral medicine which can be used by patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 who have a high risk for developing severe disease, reducing the need for admission to hospital.

The PBS listing for Lagevrio means eligible Australians can access this medicine from their local community pharmacy on a prescription from their doctor. 

If you test positive for COVID-19 please continue to follow local health guidance to isolate, including using telehealth to see your doctor and talk through treatment options, including asking your pharmacy to arrange for Lagevrio to be delivered at home, if necessary and you meet eligibility criteria.

From 24 February 2022, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine will be available for children aged six years and older. Moderna is not currently recommended for anyone under the age of six years.

Pfizer continues to be available to children aged five and over, and nearly half of children aged between five and 11 have already received one dose of the Pfizer vaccine since it became available in January this year.

The recommended eight-week interval can be shortened to four weeks for children at risk of moderate to severe COVID-19, for example those with underlying health conditions, in an outbreak or before international travel.