As of May 2026, the strategy for managing COVID-19 in the UK has shifted toward targeted clinical intervention.
Whilst most the population manages symptoms at home, specific high-risk groups are eligible for life-saving antiviral treatments.
This guide provides the latest information on eligibility, the primary medications used, and the step-by-step process to access them through the NHS.
Not everyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will receive antivirals. In 2026, eligibility is reserved for those at the highest risk of severe illness. This typically includes:
Adults aged 85 and over (newly expanded in 2026).
Individuals with weakened immune systems (e.g., those with blood cancer, HIV, or organ transplant recipients).
Care home residents aged 70+.
Patients with specific long-term conditions, such as end-stage heart failure, stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease, and certain neurological conditions like Down’s Syndrome or Motor Neurone Disease.
Timing is critical for COVID-19 antivirals. To be effective, most oral treatments must be started within 5 days of your first symptoms appearing.
Because newer variants can sometimes take a day or two to show a strong positive result on a lateral flow test, health officials urge high-risk patients to begin “serial testing” (testing daily) the moment they feel unwell to ensure they don’t miss this therapeutic window.
Paxlovid remains the first-line oral treatment in the UK for 2026. It is a combination of two medicines that work together to stop the virus from replicating in the body.
How it’s taken: A course of tablets taken twice a day for five days.
Common side effect: A temporary metallic taste in the mouth, often referred to as “Paxlovid Mouth.”
Considerations: A clinician must review your current medications, as Paxlovid can interact with common drugs like statins and blood thinners.
For patients who cannot take Paxlovid due to drug interactions or underlying health issues (such as severe kidney or liver disease), the NHS may prescribe Molnupiravir.
While slightly less potent than Paxlovid, it is a vital alternative that significantly reduces the risk of hospitalisation and is also taken as a 5-day course of capsules at home.
In specific cases where oral antivirals are unsuitable, or for patients with particularly complex needs, the NHS may offer Sotrovimab.
Unlike the tablets, this is a monoclonal antibody treatment given via an infusion (a drip) in the arm. This usually requires a brief visit to a local hospital or a specialised COVID Medicines Delivery Unit (CMDU).
If you are in the “highest risk” category, you are still eligible for free lateral flow tests from the NHS. You should keep a pack at home at all times.
Where to get them: Most local community pharmacies provide free tests to eligible patients.
Requirement: You may be asked about your medical condition or to show an NHS letter/email confirming your eligibility for COVID treatments.
The process for accessing treatment changed significantly in late 2025 and 2026. The NHS no longer contacts you automatically after a positive test. Instead, you must proactively seek an assessment.
In many regions, you can use an online self-referral form via your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) website.
Searching for your local “COVID Medicines Delivery Unit (CMDU) self-referral” is often the fastest way to start the process.
If your local area does not have a direct self-referral portal, or if you are unable to use the internet:
Call your GP surgery: They can make an urgent referral to the CMDU.
Call 111: If it is a weekend or evening, NHS 111 can direct your case to the out-of-hours clinical assessment team.
Hospital Specialists: If you are under the care of a specialist (e.g., an oncology or renal team), they can also initiate the referral.
Once a referral is made, a clinician from a COVID Medicines Delivery Unit (CMDU) will call you. They will review your symptoms, medical history, and current medications.
If eligible, the medicine is often delivered to your home by a dedicated courier, or a friend/family member may be asked to collect it from a specific pharmacy.
There is usually no cost for the medication itself, though standard prescription charges may apply in England depending on your circumstances.
If you are traveling within the UK and test positive, you are still eligible for treatment.
You should call NHS 111, as they can refer you to the CMDU local to your current location.
Ensure you have your NHS number and a full list of your regular medications to hand to speed up the assessment.
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