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The
Illinois Department of Public Health announced the Pfizer and
Merck treatments are for those with mild-to-moderate COVID-19
and who are at high risk of severe illness.
“Both antivirals will be available by prescription only and
should be taken as soon as possible after being diagnosed and
within five days of the beginning of symptoms,” IDPH said in a
statement. “Paxlovid [Pfizer’s drug] is expected to reduce the
risk of hospitalizations by 89% and Molnupiravir by about 30%.
Molnupiravir [Merck’s durg] is meant for use when other
treatment options are not available.”
“While vaccination, including boosters, is still the best way to
avoid infection and prevent severe illness from COVID-19, these
new antivirals given emergency use authorization by the Food and
Drug Administration can help treat those who get infected and
have a higher risk of becoming severely ill,” IDPH Director Dr.
Ngozi Ezike said.
The state is coordinating with pharmacies to distribute the drug
around the state.
In addition to the coming medications, people can also be
prescribed monoclonal antibody treatments.
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