A well-known, COVID-positive World War II veteran will receive his antiviral drug, but the difficulties facing his approval have led to calls for a broader change in the province’s policy on antiviral drugs for the elderly.
Rod Deon, 100, took part in the Royal Canadian Legion’s annual poppy campaign on Remembrance Day and was part of a convoy to the Royal Canadian Legion in Pleasantville, St. John, to honor World War II veterans.
He tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday.
His daughter, Jen Deon, turned to social media with disappointment last night, saying her father had been denied access to potentially life-saving antiviral drugs, despite his nurse’s recommendation.
Yes. Although his doctor recommended it, my 100-year-old father, who had a history of emphysema, was denied access to potentially life-saving antiviral drugs that could protect him from hospital. ARE YOU KIDDING? # Covid19nfld @PeterCBC @Rosie_Mullaley @VOCMNEWS
– Jen Deon ???? (@jenndeon) April 25, 2022
It turns out that despite his age, Rod Deon does not fit into government policy, which shows that the elderly who have been vaccinated three times do not meet the requirements for antiviral drugs.
Jen Deon received a call last night indicating that her father would still receive the antiviral drug.
She told VOCM News that the policy should be reviewed for all older people.
She says that when antiviral drugs first came out, only about 500 doses were available, but that is no longer the case. Deon Jr. says antiviral drugs are recommended and available to all residents aged 70 and over in Ontario, regardless of vaccination status. She says it is a scientifically recognized fact that older people are most vulnerable to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status.
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