Oral Antiviral 'Paxlovid' Administration Expanded from the 21st to Include 40s with Underlying Conditions

Respiratory Clinics and Designated Respiratory Medical Institutions to Begin Prescriptions from the 25th

On the 14th, the oral COVID-19 treatment Paxlovid was delivered to a pharmacy in Guro-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwanju] The Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) announced on the 18th that starting from the 21st, the administration of the oral COVID-19 treatment 'Paxlovid' will be expanded to include patients in their 40s with underlying conditions.

Accordingly, the eligibility for Paxlovid administration will be extended from those aged 60 and above, immunocompromised individuals, and patients aged 50 and above with underlying conditions to also include patients in their 40s with underlying conditions.

The CDCH also plans to allow Paxlovid prescriptions at 436 respiratory clinics and 4,023 designated respiratory medical institutions after conducting related training starting from the 25th of this month.

As of the previous day, Paxlovid has been administered to a total of 8,905 people, including 7,183 patients under home treatment. The CDCH explained, "With the expansion of eligibility to patients aged 40 and above with underlying conditions and the increase in prescribing institutions such as respiratory clinics and designated respiratory medical institutions, we urge medical staff to adhere to treatment guidelines and utilize the oral treatment."

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