More than two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, there are now several effective treatments for the disease. Two of those treatments are Paxlovid and Molnupiravir, antiviral pills for non-hospitalized patients. They are available by prescription to people infected with the COVID-19 virus who have conditions that put them at risk for severe illness.

COVID-19 cases are increasing rapidly in Malheur County. If you or a loved one tests positive for COVID-19 and is at risk for serious disease, there are treatment options available. If you test positive, contact your provider and request a prescription for one of the antiviral medications being used to treat COVID-19.

There are no federal test-to-treat locations in Malheur County, so you will need to contact a medical provider to access medication.

Eligibility for Paxlovid and Molnupiravir:

People with certain health conditions like chronic lung disease or cancer are at higher risk for hospitalization or death from COVID-19 infection, as are people older than 65. Conditions that increase risk for severe COVID-19 include, but are not limited to:

• Type 1 or 2 diabetes
• Depression or schizophrenia
• Chronic lung or heart diseases, including moderate to severe asthma
• Cancer
• Dementia or other neurological conditions
• Down syndrome
• Cystic fibrosis
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Age may be a factor that contributes to higher risk

Check out the full list of eligible conditions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Both Paxlovid and Molnupiravir must be taken within five days of symptom onset.

Because these medications are only available at certain pharmacies, ask your physician which pharmacy you should use to access the medication. Currently, dozens of pharmacies in Oregon, located in most counties, carry Paxlovid and Molnupiravir. Pharmacies should not ask for any fees associated with the medication, including dispensing fees.

• Older adults are at highest risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. More than 81% of COVID-19 deaths occur in people over age 65. The number of deaths among people over age 65 is 97 times higher than the number of deaths among people ages 18-29 years.
• A person’s risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases as the number of underlying medical conditions they have increases.
• Some people are at increased risk of getting very sick or dying from COVID-19 because of where they live or work, or because they can’t get health care. This includes many people from racial and ethnic minority groups and people with disabilities.
  • Studies have shown people from racial and ethnic minority groups are also dying from COVID-19 at younger ages. People in racial and ethnic minority groups are often younger when they develop chronic medical conditions and may be more likely to have more than one medical condition.
  • People with disabilities are more likely than those without disabilities to have chronic health conditions, live in shared group (also called “congregate”) settings, and face more barriers in accessing health care. Studies have shown that some people with certain disabilities are more likely to get COVID-19 and have worse outcomes.

Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines (getting primary series and booster) and following preventive measures for COVID-19 are important. This is especially important if you are older or have severe health conditions or more than one health condition, including those on this list. Learn more about how CDC develops COVID-19 vaccination recommendations. If you have a medical condition, learn more about Actions You Can Take.