Study Reveals Predominant Prescription of COVID-19 Antivirals for Seniors in Australia

Recent research has unveiled that oral COVID-19 antivirals are predominantly prescribed to individuals aged 70 and older in Australia. This finding emerges from an extensive analysis of patient data following the tumultuous years of the pandemic, underscoring the ongoing need for effective treatments as COVID-19 continues to circulate.

Conducted by the Australian Institute of Health Innovation at Macquarie University, the study scrutinized 3.8 million patient records from general practices in New South Wales and Victoria during the period from March 2022 to September 2023. The results indicate that just over 3% of patients aged 15 years and older received prescriptions for oral COVID-19 antivirals, with a notable increase among older demographics.

The research highlights that approximately 14.79% of patients aged 70 and above were prescribed these antivirals, with the highest rates observed in those aged 80 to 84. Additionally, the data reveals that females, residents of Victoria, and individuals from higher socioeconomic backgrounds were more likely to receive prescriptions.

Since the approval of two oral COVID-19 antivirals in early 2022, eligibility criteria for prescriptions have expanded. Initially restricted to patients with specific risk factors--such as age, residing in aged care facilities, or having certain pre-existing health conditions--the criteria were broadened in response to evolving circumstances.

The study's lead researcher emphasizes the importance of understanding how these treatments are being utilized in general practice settings, particularly in relation to patient demographics and the influence of telehealth services. The findings suggest a significant reliance on telehealth, with over 54% of antiviral prescriptions being associated with remote consultations.

Moreover, the data collected aligns with various waves of COVID-19, illustrating how the volume of antiviral prescriptions can serve as an indicator of increased virus transmission within the community, especially as traditional reporting mechanisms have been scaled back.

Among the patients prescribed antivirals, the majority received only a single prescription during the 19-month study period, while just over 7% required additional prescriptions. Notably, individuals with chronic health conditions, particularly cardiovascular and musculoskeletal issues, were more likely to be prescribed these treatments, providing crucial insights into the health profiles of patients seeking COVID-19 care.

In summary, the ongoing analysis of antiviral prescription patterns in Australia emphasizes the critical role of tailored healthcare responses for older patients, the integration of telehealth services, and the adaptability of healthcare providers in managing the long-term impacts of COVID-19.