If you have a health condition that puts you at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill from Covid-19, you may be eligible for Covid-19 treatments. These treatments can help some people manage their symptoms and reduce their risk of becoming seriously unwell.
You’re eligible for Covid-19 treatment without being admitted to hospital if all of the following apply:
If the above applies call 020 3196 3239 or email NEL.CMDUReferral@nhs.net immediately.
If you're eligible for Covid-19 treatments, you should keep rapid lateral flow tests at home.
You can pick up free Covid-19 rapid lateral flow tests from your local pharmacy. Check this list of participating pharmacies in north east London. You can also go to the NHS website and enter your postcode, select a pharmacy, click on treatment and services and scroll down to screening and test services. Lateral flow tests will be listed here if they offer them.
The pharmacist may ask you about your medical history to confirm you’re eligible for free tests. Visit here for more information on free Covid-19 tests.
Find a local pharmacyIf you have any symptoms of Covid-19, take a rapid lateral flow test as soon as possible, even if your symptoms are mild. Only take a test if you have symptoms.
You can also use tests you've paid for, for example, a test you've bought from a supermarket or pharmacy.
If you test positive call 020 3196 3239 or email NEL.CMDUReferral@nhs.net as soon as possible to see if you are eligible for treatment.
If your test result is negative, but you still have symptoms of Covid-19, you need to do a total of 3 rapid lateral flow tests over 3 days.
For example, if you did your first test today, you should do a second test tomorrow and a third test the day after.
If your test result is positive call 020 3196 3239 or email NEL.CMDUReferral@nhs.net as soon as possible to see if you are eligible for treatment.
Find out information below in response to some of the most commonly asked questions about what treatments you may be offered and how to access them.
You may be at highest risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19 if you:
This list is a summary and does not cover everything.
If you're unsure if you are eligible, speak to your doctor or hospital specialist who can advise you.
The treatments available for people at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill from Covid-19 are:
Nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir, molnupiravir and remdesivir are antiviral medicines.
When being assessed for treatment, a doctor will advise which treatment is most suitable for you.
Some treatments come as capsules or tablets that you swallow. Others are given to you through a drip in your arm (infusion), usually in a hospital or local health centre.
These treatments can help some people manage their Covid-19 symptoms and reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill.
If you need to go into hospital for Covid-19, you may get other treatments.
If you are struggling to access treatments please email NEL.CMDUReferral@nhs.net.
A list of pharmacies offering free Covid-19 tests for people at risk.
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