The NHS offers treatment to people with COVID-19 who are at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill.
You are eligible for COVID-19 treatments if all of the following apply:
- you’re aged 12 or over
- you’re at highest risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 (see the full list below)
- you have symptoms of COVID-19
- you have tested positive for COVID-19
People at highest risk
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 nerves, 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.
You should be told if you are eligible for COVID-19 treatment. If you think you’re eligible but have not been told, speak to your doctor or specialist who can confirm it.
Find more guidance for highest risk patients eligible for COVID-19 treatment on GOV.UK
How to access treatment if you test positive for COVID-19
If you are eligible for COVID-19 treatments and you test positive for COVID-19:
- You should make an online self-referral to the Alliance for Better Care COVID Anti-Viral Medication website. Please ensure that you have the latest full list of your prescribed medications at hand (including hospital medicines).
- If you are unable to access the online self-referral, you can still contact your GP practice, NHS 111 so that they can consider referring you for an assessment for treatment.
- You will no longer be automatically contacted by the NHS about treatments after reporting a positive COVID test result.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms and are at highest risk
If you have COVID symptoms, you should take a test immediately, even if your symptoms are mild.
If your test is negative but you continue to have symptoms, you should take a test for the next two days (three tests in total over three days).
You should report your test result where possible at https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result or by calling 119, using your NHS number and postcode.
This will ensure your test result is visible to the NHS, to support referral and assessment.
Information for patients at highest risk
Patients in the highest risk group may receive a letter from their GP or hospital department with information about their eligibility and what to do if they test positive.
This letter is available in a variety of languages:
About COVID-19 Treatments
Treatments can help some people manage their COVID-19 symptoms and reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill.
A doctor or specialist will discuss with you which treatment options, if any, are best for you based on your medical needs. They will recommend which treatment is best for you and can tailor the treatment for you. In order to do this they will need to know what medications you are taking including prescribed medication or any other remedies or vitamins.
In Sussex, the usual treatments are Nirmatrelvir plus Ritonavir (Paxlovid®) which is an antiviral medicine taken as tablets, or Sotrovimab which is given through a drip in your arm (infusion) or Molnupiravir, taken as capsules.
You can read more about the national programme, including further information for eligible patients www.nhs.uk/CoronavirusTreatments.
Further information is available in a variety of formats on the NHS England website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who should I contact first if I test positive for COVID-19?
Eligible patients in Sussex can make an online self-referral on the Covid19 Treatment | Alliance for Better Care. You can also contact your GP or call 111 who can make a referral if required.
What should I do if I test positive out of hours (evenings, weekends, bank holidays)?
You can self-refer using the online system at any time and you will receive a call back within the next available daytime hour. If you are unable to use the online self-referral, please call 111 or contact your GP.
What if I am away from home when I test positive?
If you are away from home, you should contact NHS 111 who can refer you to the COVID treatment service local to where you are.
Where will I be treated if I need intravenous medication?
There are two sites in Sussex that provide intravenous treatments – Royal Sussex County Hospital Brighton and Conquest Hospital Hastings. Transport can be arranged for patients who have travel difficulties. When you are contacted to arrange your appointment, this will be asked by the booking team, but please request this if required.
Accessibility
If you need information in a different format like accessible PDF, large print, easy read or braille, please contact:
- Email: sxicb.involvement@nhs.net
- Call: 01273 485300
We’ll consider your request and get back to you as soon as possible
