Community Health Alliance Begins Offering Pfizer’s COVID-19 Oral Antiviral Treatment Paxlovid to Adult Patients 18+ Who Test Positive for COVID-19

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Community Health Alliance, a federally qualified health center in Reno and Sparks, is now offering a limited supply of Pfizer’s COVID-19 oral antiviral treatment called Paxlovid to adult patients 18 years of age or older. We extend an invitation to the greater community to become a patient at Community Health Alliance to receive the antiviral treatment, however, please be mindful that there is limited supply at this time.

The Food and Drug Administration authorized Paxlovid for emergency use on Dec. 22, 2021 for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kilograms or about 88 pounds) with positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 testing, and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.

Though authorized for pediatric patients 12 years of age and older, Community Health Alliance will focus its efforts on adults 18 years of age and older.

Below is pertinent information regarding Paxlovid:

• Paxlovid has been authorized for treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19.
• Paxlovid is available by prescription only and should be initiated as soon as possible after a diagnosis of COVID-19 and within three to five days of symptom onset.
• Paxlovid is administered as three tablets taken together orally twice daily for five days, for a total of 30 tablets. Paxlovid is not authorized for use for longer than five consecutive days.

“Paxlovid is an important step in the fight against severe COVID-19,” said Oscar Delgado, CEO of Community Health Alliance. “We’re ready to help our community in a big way. We have created an efficient process at our Sparks Health Center on Oddie Boulevard to conduct COVID-19 testing, evaluate COVID-19 symptoms and prescribe the oral antiviral treatment for our patients.”

Here is how to book an appointment at Community Health Alliance and what to expect during an appointment:

• To book an appointment at Community Health Alliance to be evaluated for COVID-19 antiviral treatment, please call (775) 329-6300.
• The health and safety of our patients and employees are top priority. We are requesting for those who have a confirmed appointment to be evaluated for the antiviral treatment to park in designated areas in the back parking lot of our Sparks Health Center. Please remain in your car with your mask on, and a provider will meet you to start your appointment.
• Community Health Alliance will do an antigen COVID-19 test through our in-house pharmacy, or we will accept a PCR test result from another institution. We do not accept home tests.
• If a patient is eligible for the antiviral treatment, the provider will prescribe Paxlovid from our in-house pharmacy. Our team will meet you at your car to review the prescription and answer any questions you may have.
• Our providers will follow up with patients after their appointment during their treatment period.

“I’d like to remind our community that eligibility for the antiviral treatment will be based on provider evaluation during your confirmed appointment time,” said Delgado. “There are many things to consider such as your health history, current medications, as well as your presenting COVID-19 symptoms.”

Paxlovid is not a substitute for vaccination in individuals for whom COVID-19 vaccination and a booster dose are recommended. If community members are seeking COVID-19 vaccination and a booster dose, appointments are available throughout the week at both Community Health Alliance’s Wells Avenue Health Center and Sparks Health Center.

COVID-19 vaccines are available to Community Health Alliance patients and non-patients. Please book your COVID-19 vaccine appointment online.