March 26, 2026
A new study has revealed that at-risk Australians hospitalised with COVID-19 during 2021 and 2022 missed out on free antiviral treatments due to gaps in awareness, access and trust in the healthcare system.
Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 29 people who were eligible for oral antiviral medications but did not receive them before being hospitalised with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
The findings highlight critical barriers that prevented timely uptake, despite government efforts to prioritise vulnerable populations.
A key issue was a lack of awareness, with many study participants not knowing antivirals were available or that they qualified to receive them. Others faced logistical challenges, including difficulty securing timely appointments with doctors they trusted. These barriers limited people’s ability to act quickly during the early stages of infection when antiviral treatments are most effective.
Despite these challenges, almost all participants were motivated to protect their health. Many were aware of their increased risk due to pre-existing conditions and wanted to avoid severe illness or prolonged time off work.
The study’s authors say the findings point to the need for clearer public health communication to optimise antiviral use during pandemics. They recommend targeted public health messaging to raise awareness of antiviral treatments among eligible groups and their health care providers to encourage their use to prevent severe illness.
Strengthening equitable access to quality primary care for vulnerable groups will be essential to building trust and improving outcomes in future infectious disease emergencies.
Original APPRISE supported study
Emma Campbell, Jane Williams, Chris Degeling, Eligible but missing out: a qualitative study of access to COVID-19 antivirals in Australia, BMC Health Services Research, published online 18 March, 2026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-026-14392-7