Who can take Paxlovid
Most adults aged 18 years and older can take Paxlovid.
You may be eligible for Paxlovid if all these apply:
- you're aged 18 or over
- you're in the highest risk group
- you've tested positive for COVID-19 – find out who can get a free COVID-19 lateral flow test
- you've had COVID-19 symptoms within the last 5 days
You may be at highest risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 if you have:
- Down's syndrome, or another chromosomal condition that affects your immune system
- certain types of cancer, or had treatment for certain types of cancer
- sickle cell disease
- certain conditions affecting your blood
- chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 or 5
- severe liver disease
- had an organ transplant
- certain autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease
- HIV or AIDS and have a weakened immune system
- a condition affecting your immune system
- a condition affecting the brain or nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, motor neurone disease, myasthenia gravis, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease or certain types of dementia
- certain lung conditions or treatments for lung conditions
This list is a summary and does not cover everything.
If you're unsure if you are eligible, speak to your GP or hospital specialist who can advise you.
Who may not be able to take Paxlovid
Paxlovid is not suitable for some people. Tell your doctor before starting to take this medicine if you:
- are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
- have ever had an allergic reaction to Paxlovid, or any other medicine
- have problems with your kidneys
- have problems with your liver
- are intolerant to lactose or galactose – nirmatrelvir contains a lot of lactose
- have lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption
There are a lot of medicines that may affect the way that Paxlovid works. Tell your doctor which medicines you are taking.