Early detection is key when it comes to being considered for COVID-19 medication. Medication for mild to moderate COVID-19 is recommended within 5 to 7 days of symptoms starting. Although not everyone is eligible for or would benefit from COVID-19 medications, Nova Scotians can be quickly assessed for medications when they complete the Report and Support form.
If you test positive on a rapid test and/or if you have booked a PCR testing appointment, complete the Report and Support form as accurately as possible or call 1-833-797-7772 if you require assistance completing the form.
The Report and Support form will collect information to:
- quickly identify people within 5-7 days of symptoms starting who may benefit from COVID-19 medications to reduce the risk of severe disease and hospitalization, and
- help identify people as part of a priority group that may be at risk of severe illness for follow-up.
COVID-19 medications do not benefit everyone. You will only be called if you qualify for medication or follow-up. If you do not qualify, you will not be called.
When should I complete the Report and Support form?
You should fill out the Report and Support form as accurately as possible when you:
- Book your PCR test
- Are waiting for your PCR results
- Have received a positive result on your rapid test
This information is used to identify people within 5-7 days of testing positive who are at high risk of severe illness and may benefit from COVID-19 medications.
How do I complete the Report and Support form?
Complete the form online at https://c19hc.nshealth.ca/self-report. If you do not have access to the internet or require assistance, you can call 1-833-797-7772 and they will complete the form for you.
If you are booking a PCR test by phone through 811, they will complete the form for you during the booking process.
It is important to complete the form as accurately as possible.
If I fill out the form, does this mean that I will get medication to treat COVID-19?
This information is used to identify people within 5-7 days of symptoms starting who are at high risk for severe illness and may benefit from COVID-19 medications. Medications for early and mild COVID-19 are not effective for everyone, and people should be aware that filling out the form does not necessarily mean they need or should take COVID-19 medication.
Duration and severity of symptoms, vaccination status, certain medical conditions, liver or kidney function, or some medications may make COVID-19 medications inappropriate. You will only receive a call if you are identified as high risk for progression to severe disease and may qualify for medication. Seek medical help if your symptoms get worse by calling 811 or 911.
Will I get a call to follow up after completing the form?
Due to high volumes, only those who are at increased risk for severe disease and require further assessment will be contacted after completing the form. The criteria for follow-up is based on guidance from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health as to who would benefit from COVID-19 medication. You will only receive a call if you may be eligible.
How will I know if I qualify for COVID-19 medication?
If it is determined that you are at high risk for progressing to severe disease and you may benefit from COVID-19 medication, you will receive a phone call. You may also receive a phone call to further assess your current situation.
Only those who require further assessment will receive a follow-up call after completing the form. You are advised to continue to follow Public Health’s recommendations of staying at home while you are sick, avoiding places where there are people at risk for seven days, and wearing a mask while you have symptoms. Learn more here.
If you are eligible for follow-up, you may receive a phone call from an unknown number, so please answer if you receive a call. Seek medical help if your symptoms get worse by calling 811 or 911.
If I tested positive on a rapid test, should I still complete the Report and Support form?
Yes, you should complete the Report and Support form when you have a positive rapid test. By completing the form, your information will be assessed to determine if you qualify for medication. It is important to complete the form as accurately as possible.
Not all people who complete this form will receive a follow-up phone call or medication.
If you are eligible for follow-up, you may receive a phone call from an unknown number, so please answer if you receive a call. Seek medical help if your symptoms get worse by calling 811 or 911.
Why wouldn’t I qualify for COVID-19 medication if I’m considered high-risk?
COVID-19 anti-viral medications are very specific as to who they will benefit.
COVID-19 medications are available for people who are high-risk for getting very sick, including the elderly, those without sufficient vaccination, or those with certain underlying medical conditions or immunosuppression.
Other factors taken into consideration are how long you’ve had symptoms, age and weight, liver or kidney function, drug interactions, availability of infusion sites, etc.
Many prescription medications, over-the-counter products, traditional medicines, natural health products, and vitamins may interact with COVID-19 medications.
Using antivirals when they are not needed can encourage the development of resistance and make them no longer useful for you in the future.
Can I get a prescription from my family doctor/walk-in clinic/pharmacy?
An inhaler that contains budesonide, Pulmicort, may be appropriate for some mild and early COVID-19 patients with respiratory symptoms, including cough. Any primary care provider or pharmacist can write a prescription for Pulmicort.
The other medications available for COVID-19 require a specific team of health care providers to write the prescriptions. These include Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir), Veklury (remdesivir), and Evusheld (tixagevimab/cilgavimab). They cannot be prescribed by anyone who has not been identified as a designated prescriber. The Report and Support form is how our health care team can determine if a person is eligible for these medications.
Who will the information be shared with?
The information collected in this form will be shared with Nova Scotia Health to support access to Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir), Veklury (remdesivir), and Evusheld (tixagevimab/cilgavimab) and to identify those who will receive a call for further assessment.
If I complete the Report and Support form, what will happen to my information if I get a negative PCR result?
If a person tests negative on a PCR test, their information will not be used, and will be deleted. If you have another PCR test in the future, you need to complete the form again.
Can I wait until I get a positive PCR result to fill out the form?
Completing the Report and Support form before your PCR appointment and test result may seem premature, but medications for early and mild COVID-19 are recommended within 5 to 7 days of symptoms starting. Completing the form in advance of receiving your test result will allow timely assessment for medication for those with a positive PCR result.
Do I have to fill out the form every time I get tested?
Yes, it is very important to fill out the Report and Support form again each time you have a new positive rapid test or book a PCR test. It is important to identify your new case for follow-up as early as possible so you can be considered for COVID-19 medications.