There are two antiviral medications that have been issued Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the U.S. FDA: Pfizer’s Paxlovid and Merck’s molnupiravir. Both treatments are in limited supply, and a prescription does not guarantee the medication will be available. Treatment should be initiated as soon as possible after diagnosis of COVID-19 and within five days of symptom onset. Please speak with your healthcare provider to learn more about these treatments. Additional information about eligibility and course of treatment is available on the IDOH COVID-19 Treatment Information webpage.
Antiviral medication for COVID-19 is not a substitute for vaccination in individuals for whom COVID-19 vaccination and a booster dose are recommended. The CDC recommends that people stay up to date with their vaccinations and get boosted when eligible. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised have different recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines. Use CDC’s COVID-19 vaccination schedule, or answer a few questions on the CDC website to make sure you are up to date.