HOUSTON – Two COVID-19 antiviral pills are available for free in the U.S., but getting them quickly can be challenging.
The Test-to-Treat program aims to change that. The program will allow people to go to one place to be tested for COVID-19, and if positive, they will be provided with free antiviral pills.
Here are the local pharmacies taking part in the program:
CVS
All of our 1,200 MinuteClinic Medical Clinics are participating in the Test-to-Treat program. A list of MinuteClinic locations can be found at MinuteClinic.com.
MinuteClinic providers (NPs and PAs) are able to prescribe the Pfizer (Paxlovid) oral antiviral pill for patients who provide a positive COVID-19 test result and meet clinical criteria.
Pfizer’s antiviral pill is for people 12 and older. Merck’s antiviral pill is for adults only.
Walgreens
The antiviral pills are at more than 250 Walgreens stores nationwide.
You’ll have to call or look online to know whether the one in your neighborhood has some in stock. There will soon be a Test-to-Treat website where you can find this information. The website was expected to launch in mid-March, but is not up and running yet.
Kroger
Kroger has the accessibility of the antivirals in about 60 stores located in Harris, Walker, Montgomery, Brazoria, and Orange Counties.
However, they’re not testing in stores so they’re unable to administer antivirals without a physician’s prescription.
Walmart
Walmart pharmacies have been dispensing COVID-19 oral medication since the end of December with a prescription from a provider. However, none of the local Walmart pharmacies are part of the test-to-treat program. Therefore, you’ll need a prescription from a provider to get the medication.
Evusheld
Evusheld is a prophylactic medication for immune-compromised patients. That means it can be given to prevent a COVID infection in vulnerable patients.
Michael Liebl, director of Houston Methodist System Clinical Pharmacy Services, said they’ve given more than 450 patients Evusheld.
Memorial Hermann said they’re also administering this preventative treatment and it’s been effective for vulnerable patients.
Check with your doctor if you’re a good candidate.