Exciting news came from Health Canada on Monday, as it approved Pfizer’s Paxlovid COVID-19 pill as another tool to fight the virus. 

As of right now, there is no supply of Paxlovid in Saskatchewan, but the province is hoping to get a limited supply in the coming weeks. 

“Eligibility, criteria, and distribution will be announced in the coming days and currently there is not a means to accessing this medication in Saskatchewan until those details are announced,” said Marlo Pritchard, president of the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency. 

Paxlovid will be used similar to the monoclonal treatments that are currently available in Saskatchewan. You must test positive for COVID-19 and be unvaccinated or have underlying risks that could put you in the hospital. 

Since being introduced in the province, about 50 people have been treated using monoclonal treatments. 

The province is warning that Paxlovid and the monoclonal treatments are not a substitute for vaccinations. 

“Most people won't need it. Most people are well protected with their vaccination and being fully vaccinated prevents that progression to severe disease,” said Saskatchewan Health Authority infectious disease expert Dr. Satchan Takaya. 

According to Health Canada, Paxlovid is the combination of two antiviral drugs, nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. The treatment consists of taking two tablets of nirmatrelvir and one tablet of ritonavir twice per day for five days.