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Paxlovid in the Netherlands

Posted by (SF Bay Area) on

Hello everyone. I've read all of the paxlovid questions and answers on the forum, but none answer my specific questions.

I am fully vaccinated and boosted, always wear a quality mask on planes or in indoor situations, and do not eat in indoor restaurants. I'd like to begin traveling to Europe in 2023, but my doctor and I agree that I should take Paxlovid if I get COVID because I am over 70 and I have asthma. I have no drug interactions of concern with Paxlovid, and would bring a copy of my medications, and if possible, a letter from my doctor indicating I have no drug interaction issues. Please don't suggest I take paxlovid with me--that is not an option. So my specific questions are:

1) How easy it is for a tourist to get an appointment with a doctor in the Netherlands?

2) Is Paxlovid generally prescribed for seniors 70+ years old with risk factors such as asthma (or in my husband's case Type II diabetes?)

I may eventually post this question in the Switzerland and France forums, as those are the other countries we are considering for 2023. Please do weigh in if you know anything about those two countries as well.

Thanks for any information you might have.

Posted by
1587 posts

“ Is Paxlovid generally prescribed for seniors 70+ years old with risk factors such as asthma (or in my husband's case Type II diabetes?)”

If you’ve been vaccinated and boosted and there are no signs to suggest that you don’t have enough antibodies, Dutch doctors won’t generally prescribe Paxlovid. They will describe it to those who are immunocompromised and who have another serious medical condition like a serious heart or lung disease.
Of course this is just generally speaking. Whether or not you will be described a certain drug will depend on your specific medical situation.

Posted by
8967 posts

But, as in the US, Paxlovid is supposed to be treatment for someone who has COVID, not a preventive. So that implies you would have to see a doctor first to be diagnosed.

Posted by
881 posts

Thank you AussieNomad and Dutch_traveler for your helpful responses. And Stan, yes, I would only seek paxlovid if I developed symptoms and tested positive.

Posted by
8967 posts

Barbara N, I would want it too. I have four positive family members taking it now, and it's made a big difference.

Posted by
881 posts

Thanks Stan--that has been the experience of my friends and family over 65 and the strong recommendation of the public health experts here in Berkeley and San Francisco. One friend who nearly ended up in the emergency room due to low pulse ox improved dramatically within a day of beginning Paxlovid. I would be ready to travel internationally if I felt confident I could receive a prescription if I contracted COVID.

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