Wisconsin continues to receive allocations of the COVID-19 oral antivirals Paxlovid and Lagevrio (molnupiravir). Long-term care residents continue to be at risk of serious illness from COVID-19, it is strongly recommended that facilities connect them to one of these treatments authorized for use by the Food and Drug Administration. If prescribed and then taken within five days of symptom onset, these medications substantially decrease the likelihood of serious illness and death. In particular, in clinical trials, Paxlovid showed an 88% decrease in severe illness and death.

In her keynote remarks during last week’s WHCA/WiCAL Spring Conference, Department of Health Services Secretary Karen Timberlake highlighted the availability of these oral antiviral medications.

Long-term care facilities are strongly encouraged to work with their medical directors and long-term pharmacies to ensure patients have access to these medications. Long-term care pharmacies are eligible to receive supplies of Paxlovid and Lagevrio through DHS. Pharmacies that wish to gain access to our weekly ordering system should contact DHS Operations. Pharmacies are not expected or required to order every week.

To learn more about COVID-19 treatments and medications, visit the DHS website. To view a map showing where treatments and medications are available, see our therapeutics distribution webpage.

Clinical care guidance: See clinical care information, including clinical management and treatment guidelines, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.