State of Michigan Receives Initial Limited Supply of New Oral COVID-19 Medications
(January 7, 2022 2:52 PM) Michigan has received its first shipment of new oral medications to treat COVID-19, paxlovid and molnupiravir, following the recent emergency use authorization by the FDA. These antivirals are designed for the outpatient treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19. Both medications may only be prescribed for a patient by physicians, advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants. When administered to non-hospitalized patients within five days of symptom onset, these antivirals may reduce symptoms and the risk of hospitalizations and emergency room visits associated with the virus. In Jackson, the Center for Family Health has received a supply of this new antiviral medicine, according to CEO Molly Kaser. Kaser told JTV the Center has a very limited supply and will be following strict prescribing requirements. Henry Ford Allegiance Health announced earlier they expect to have the treatment available later in January. Due to the limited quantity of these drugs, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has developed eligibility criteria and prescribing requirements for the antivirals. “The authorization of these new medications provides another important tool to help fight the virus,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “Due to limited availability of these antivirals, health care providers will…

