Source: PHARMAC
Media release Medicines COVID-19
Pharmac will simplify the criteria for people accessing COVID-19 antiviral medicines and will align the funding and supply of these medicines with its normal process.
Pharmac currently funds two COVID-19 antivirals for people who meet the eligibility criteria. These antiviral medicines help to prevent people with a COVID-19 infection from becoming severely unwell.
From 1 September 2025 the antivirals, nirmatrelvir with ritonavir (branded as Paxlovid) and remdesivir (branded as Veklury) will be funded for all people aged 50 years or over with an active COVID-19 infection who are at high risk of hospitalisation or death from COVID-19.
“This will simplify the existing criteria and will improve access to antivirals for people between 50 and 65 years who are high risk and not already eligible,” says Pharmac’s Director Pharmaceuticals, Geraldine MacGibbon.
People who can currently access funded COVID-19 antivirals will continue to have access to them under the updated access criteria.
“We’re also changing how we manage the funding and supply of these medicines,” MacGibbon says.
The management and supply of COVID-19 treatments was unique due to the need to respond to the pandemic, but Pharmac is now aligning the funding and supply of COVID-19 antivirals with its normal process.
“The change we are making will mean pharmacies and hospitals can order what they need from wholesalers and claim back costs from Pharmac. This change will align the management of COVID-19 antivirals with other funded medicines in New Zealand,” MacGibbon says.
