A Melbourne woman told Neil Mitchell she had to visit eight pharmacies to find COVID-19 antivirals for her elderly mother earlier this week.

State president of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia says there were supply issues earlier this week, but they are now easing.

Last week, the federal government expanded pharmaceutical benefit scheme (PBS) access to the antivirals to include all over-70s, as well as people with underlying health conditions which put them at greater risk.

Victorian president of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Anthony Tassone, says that put extra demand on supplies.

“When that eligibility was expanded there was an increase in demand for them and the supply chain … had to play a bit of catch up,” he told Neil Mitchell.

“But as of today, looking at supplies there’s stock in the sheds at the wholesalers supplying pharmacies so that should be largely resolved.”

For those who aren’t eligible for the antivirals under the PBS, they’ll cost about $1000.

Mr Tassone says he hopes the eligibility criteria to get the drugs on the PBS is expanded to cover more Australians.

Press PLAY below to hear about the antivirals and who is eligible for them under the PBS