Antiviral pilot program underway to support health workers
The Barwon South West Public Health Unit (BSWPHU) recently launched a new pilot program at Barwon Health, offering antivirals to Barwon Health staff.
The antiviral medication Molnupiravir is available to eligible Barwon Health staff who tested positive to COVID-19.
Barwon Health staff are able to participate in a pilot program offering free access to Molnupiravir to staff who would otherwise not have access to this medication due to eligibility reasons. This program is available for a limited number of doses.
Molnupiravir (Lagevrio®) is an oral antiviral currently available for the treatment of mild-moderate COVID-19 in people with risk factors for more severe symptoms.
When commenced within five days of symptom onset, it reduces the severity and duration of symptoms, the risk of hospitalisation and potentially death. As it also makes you less infectious, it may also protect those in your household from infection.
Given the benefits that have been observed in results of this medication in eligible people, the wider use of Molnupiravir may be beneficial to the broader population and serve as another impactful public health measure.
With many Barwon Health staff regularly testing positive to COVID-19, it is more important than ever to support the wellbeing of healthcare workers and their households and preserve our health service, as our staff have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic.
The aim of the pilot is to evaluate the uptake, tolerability, effectiveness on duration and severity of illness, and time off work among staff who take Molnupiravir after becoming mildly unwell with COVID-19 and who do not qualify for PBS listed treatment.
Click here for the iMolnupiravir treatment Information sheet.
Click here for the control group information sheet.