COVID-19 Treatments
Antiviral medications may be used in early treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 illness in unvaccinated and certain vaccinated patients who are at high risk for progression to severe illness that may require hospitalization.
Antiviral treatments Paxlovid™ and remdesivir help reduce the viral load of COVID-19 virus in the body. They are not used to prevent COVID-19 infection before you test positive. Treatments are only effective when initiated in the very early phase of infection.
While most vaccinated people have enough immunity to fight COVID-19 infection, those that are unvaccinated, have a weaker immune system or are 70 years and older and at high risk of severe outcomes may benefit from antiviral therapy reducing the viral load that the immune system has to overcome.
Note: As of April 7, 2022, the monoclonal antibody sotrovimab was suspended for use in Saskatchewan due to its reduced efficacy against Omicron's BA.2 subvariant. Future recommendations regarding the use of sotrovimab and early therapeutics will continue to be guided by emerging evidence.
Treatment for COVID-19 is Not a Substitute for Vaccination
Treatment for COVID-19 does not offer equal protection to vaccination. Getting your first, second and all recommended booster doses remains the most important intervention to reduce risk of hospitalization and other severe outcomes from COVID-19. Find a vaccination clinic near you.
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