An additional 160,000 Australians will have access to the COVID-19 antiviral nirmatrelvir–ritonavir under new PBS eligibility criteria. 

From 1 April, those aged 60-69 with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and one additional risk factor for severe disease — such as heart failure or residing in a remote area — will be eligible for subsidised nirmatrelvir–ritonavir (Paxlovid).

Previously, most patients aged 50-69 had to have two or more such risk factors to be eligible.

Other criteria were unchanged, and molnupiravir (Lagevrio) was unaffected, Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler announced on Thursday.