Scientists push to change COVID-19 antiviral guidelines to make medication more accessible in Australia

Australia has regulations on who can access COVID antivirals, and whether the cost is discounted.  (Reuters: Pfizer handout)

Australia's rules on who can get affordable COVID-19 antivirals are "excessive" and should be relaxed, according to several prominent scientists.

Antivirals have been shown to reduce the chance of hospitalisation or death by almost 90 per cent in vaccinated people, and are widely available in Europe and the United States.