Advice on the use of antivirals in Residential Aged Care Facilities

For people living in residential aged care facilities who test positive for COVID-19 or influenza, there are antiviral medications that can help prevent serious disease. Antivirals may reduce the length and severity of their illness, decrease the risk of hospitalisation and assist in controlling outbreaks in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). For more information on managing outbreaks in RACFs please see public health guidance for acute respiratory illness in residential aged care facilities.

Oral antiviral medications available in Australia for COVID-19 and influenza

Medication

Use

Access

Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid™)

  • COVID-19 treatment of diagnosed cases

Molnupiravir (Lagevrio®)

  • COVID-19 treatment of diagnosed cases
  • Pre-placed supply in facilities (through   Commonwealth Department of Health) in early 2022
  • Following utilisation of any pre-placed   supply, through community pharmacies. Please review PBS criteria.

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®)

  • Influenza treatment
  • Please note, a positive influenza laboratory result is not required for medical and nurse practitioners to prescribe
  • May be used as post-exposure prophylaxis during influenza outbreaks on the advice of ACT Health
  • Pre-placed supply in facilities (through the   Commonwealth Department of Health) for winter 2022
  • Through community pharmacies on private script.
  • Through ACT Health when assessed as indicated for post-exposure prophylaxis in influenza outbreaks.

Preparing for COVID-19 treatments  

It is important for RACFs to collaborate with residents, their families, and their primary care providers to establish clinical assessment, treatment and referral pathways for residents as part of their outbreak preparedness work. This may include individual pre-assessment of residents for suitability for antiviral therapies, including post-exposure prophylaxis to support prompt access and safe administration.

The following resources have been developed to assist clinicians, residents, and their families to make informed decisions about antiviral medications.

Useful resources

ACT Health advice on managing exposures and outbreaks of ARI in residential aged care facilities:

Treatment guidelines for use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) are available:

Information on the clinical management of COVID-19 in RACFs and antiviral treatments can be found here:

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

Last Updated: January 09 2023