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WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — COVID-19 antivirals, molnupiravir and Paxlovid, are now available at Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations throughout the company’s eight-state region to help treat eligible patients who have mild-to-moderate cases of COVID-19, Hy-Vee Inc. said Wednesday.
The type of COVID-19 antiviral available varies by pharmacy location.
In order to receive a COVID-19 antiviral, the company said that patients must have a prescription from their health care provider. The COVID-19 antivirals are free with most insurance.
According to the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), molnupiravir and Paxlovid should be used to treat mild-to-moderate cases of COVID-19 in certain adults (ages 18+) who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death. Paxlovid may also be used to treat mild-to-moderate cases of COVID-19 in eligible pediatric patients ages 12 and up. It is recommended that patients begin COVID-19 antiviral treatment as soon as possible, and treatment must begin within five days of when symptoms begin.
Both antiviral products may only be used for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in individuals:
- With positive results of direct COVID-19 viral testing, and
- Who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death, and
- For whom alternative COVID-19 treatment options authorized by FDA are not accessible or clinically appropriate.
Hy-Vee Pharmacy also said it offers convenient prescription options for patients including drive-thru pharmacy services and free prescription delivery (where available).
In addition to COVID-19 antiviral treatments, all Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations offer over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 tests. Under the Biden Administration’s ruling, each individual covered under private insurance or Medicare Part B can currently receive up to eight free at-home COVID-19 tests each month. The pharmacy offers other COVID-19 testing options, available by appointment only at select locations as well as free COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
