Health New Zealand has admitted it didn't consult with pharmacies before changing the funding for Covid antivirals, which has seen some pharmacies stop providing the service.

As of July 1, pharmacists are now funded for a 15 minute consultation with patients to see if Paxlovid is appropriate for them, taking into account their current medication and other health conditions.

If the pharmacist carries out the assessment and determines the patient is not eligible, they are not reimbursed for the work.

The Pharmaceutical Society has written to Health New Zealand expressing concerns - and highlighting an apparent lack of consultation.

It says this leaves their members with an extremely difficult choice - provide the service in a professional manner, which will generally take a lot longer than the funded time allocated, or stop providing it.

The Society warns the result will "undoubtedly be reduced access to Paxlovid treatments in community settings for many of our most vulnerable patients" which will ultimately result in some patients needing access to emergency departments or being admitted to hospital.

Health New Zealand Living Well Director Martin Hefford says "consultation with the sector was impacted by the later timing of Budget 2024 and the need to make significant decisions quickly to recognise reduced Covid-19 funding following Budget 24 announcements."

He says ideally they would have engaged with the sector well in advance of July 1, but constrained timeframes meant that consultation did not occur in this instance.

Health New Zealand's website says Paxlovid is recommended for people who are at higher risk of severe illness from Covid. When taken within the first five days of illness it can help people stay out of hospital.

Mangawhai Pharmacy's Lanny Wong says previously they were able to claim up to an hour to consult with patient about whether Paxlovid was right for them.

She says they must assess the patient's symptoms, their medical conditions and medicines they're taking, as well as their renal function.

She says then they've got to explain to the patient how to take it, and follow up with them.

Wong says it's something they can't rush through, and it can take more than the 15 minutes they're now funded for.

"People ring up the next day to say they've got an issue with their medicine or they're suffering from side effects, that sort of phone call would not be covered - we would be doing all of that for free."

She says the reduced funding makes it challenging to provide the service safely and effectively - which is why pharmacists are opting out.

"It's a difficult decision for some businesses to make - but I can fully understand why some have decided not to provide this service."

Wong says fewer pharmacies providing antivirals will have a flow on effect for patients.

She says people will probably have to get hold of their GPs if they need antivirals, and it can be difficult to see your GP quickly.

Wong says in rural places people will perhaps have to drive or send their family member further to find a pharmacy that is providing antivirals.

She says the changes show there's huge gap in knowledge from the decision-makers about what pharmacists do and she hopes in the future Health New Zealand will consult with the sector.

Hefford says in line with Government funding decisions Health NZ is transitioning its health response to Covid-19 so it is managed in a similar way to other communicable diseases.

"Ensuring antivirals remain available to those most at risk of poor outcomes from Covid-19 is a priority for Health NZ. We are confident that reasonable access will be maintained across New Zealand."

He says vaccination remains our first and best line of defence, which is why funding for it remains largely unchanged.

Hefford says with Budget funding increases confirmed for the next two years, they expect to make future changes in a timelier manner, with greater opportunities for engagement.

Danica MacLean is an Auckland-based News Director and Senior Reporter for Newstalk ZB, with a focus on health stories. She joined NZME in 2017, initially working for the Northern Advocate before switching to radio. She has previously worked for Stuff in Northland.