Pfizer’s Paxlovid has become a go-to treatment for cases of COVID-19 in adults. The medication is especially helpful in preventing severe infection for at-risk patients, helping keep them out of the hospital.
“It was really effective at keeping people out of the hospital,” explained Dr. David Wohl, an infectious disease expert at UNC School of Medicine. “If you’re 80+, no brainer, I think you should get on Paxlovid, whether you’re vaccinated or not.”
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Wohl said he also recommends the medication for those with compromised immune systems, and says that even those who have overall good health may benefit from taking Paxlovid due to indications it could help reduce or prevent long-COVID symptoms.
Patients, with and without insurance, have been able to apply for free Paxlovid prescriptions and co-pay cards since October 2023 due to an agreement between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Pfizer.
But that agreement ends at the end of 2024.
Without a new option, patients could be left footing a hefty bill. A prescription written and filled this week in Raleigh would have cost $1,668.99 if the person didn’t have insurance.
“I do think for people who can benefit from Paxlovid, I prescribe it, but I do worry about healthcare costs like we do in general,” said Wohl. “What we really need is a competition. We need more medicine out there that can compete with Paxlovid.”
The doctor explained this could help drive down the cost of the medication, making it affordable to patients who need it.
The good news for North Carolinians is that current COVID infection rates remain low.
Wednesday’s latest respiratory virus dashboard update showed 262 people statewide were hospitalized with the virus. Infections peaked in December 2023 with over 1,200 people hospitalized.
Current data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows over 40% of new infections are being caused by new omicron subvariants. The so-called ‘FLiRT strains’ spread easily, but Wohl said it’s a good sign that hospitalizations haven’t spiked.
“That has to do with our immunity,” said Wohl. “We’ve got herd immunity – both from catching infections, millions of people got omicron, and because we are vaccinated. Even just a little bit of vaccination, I think, protects people in the long run from getting really sick.”
The doctor encouraged families to keep at-home tests at hand and to monitor symptoms. It doesn't hurt to test for COVID even if you think you just have a cold or allergies.
“Numbers are going to go up, let’s be clear. It doesn’t have to be breaking news that toward the end of the summer, into the fall, COVID cases are going to go up,” said Wohl. “We’re going to have COVID forever, just like we have the flu, and so we’ve just got to get used to it. That’s why we have to get more vigilant.”
Wohl recommends testing whenever you develop symptoms, wearing a mask if you start to feel ill and staying away from others until you feel better.
