Biden’s Test to Treat Plan: What You Need to Know
During his State of the Union Address, President Biden announced a new “test to treat” program for individuals who have contracted COVID-19 to be able to get treatment almost immediately, and at no cost.
This plan is to help transition into the next phase of pandemic response. The program will be established in locations such as: pharmacy-based clinics, community health centers, long-term care facilities, and Departments of Veterans Affairs facilities across the country. These sites are intended to be one-stop sites where those who have tested positive can be treated with FDA approved antiviral pills.
The antiviral pills that are currently available on the market will help reduce rates of hospitalization and death in those who are at risk for severe illness due to health disparities; these antivirals need to be given within 5 days of symptom onset. This treatment is not intended to be a replacement for vaccination and the CDC is still recommending vaccinations in those who are able.
The antivirals that are included in Biden’s plan are Pfizer’s Paxlovid and Merck’s molnupiravir, both of which have been granted emergency use authorization (EUA). Biden confirmed that Pfizer would produce one million doses in March then double that amount in April.
There are two different circumstances that will decipher which medication will be given for each case. Paxlovid will be prescribed to those that are at high-risk for progression of symptoms and taken within 5 days of symptom onset. Molnupiravir will be prescribed to those who test positive and have at least one risk factor that could cause severe disease.
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Here at HealthNeed Medical Urgent Care, our main goal is to provide an easy and friendly walk-in experience that will have you face to face with one of our many medical specialists within minutes of checking in and without an appointment. Our team of medical experts offers treatments anywhere from bandaging small scrapes and cuts to IVs. Come check out our offices that are open 365 days a year. We provide pediatric as well as senior medical care, with most health insurances accepted.
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