Baker administration launches free telehealth program for COVID treatment

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The application is made to aid connect people to Paxlovid, a COVID-19 treatment tablet.

The new application will help residents get Paxlovid, a tablet that has been tested to deal with COVID-19. Kobi Wolf / file picture

The Baker-Polito Administration introduced a new free of charge telehealth system to assistance men and women additional very easily obtain treatment for COVID-19. The system, declared on Wednesday, is obtainable to people who are 18 decades of age or more mature that have examined constructive for the virus and are experiencing moderate to average indicators. They will be now capable to plan a online video session with a healthcare professional to establish if they are qualified for Paxlovid, a COVID-19 treatment tablet taken orally that can cut down the danger for intense signs or symptoms and hospitalization by approximately 90 p.c.

The plan, obtainable at www.mass.gov/covidtelehealth, is built to be a speedy and quick way for individuals to see if Paxlovid is the suitable treatment for them. The program is not for medical emergencies and is only for those people that currently dwell in Massachusetts.

“Paxlovid has been proven to be extremely effective in managing COVID-19 and can avert people from finding severely sick,” Dr. Larry Madoff, Medical Director in the Bureau of Infectious Condition and Laboratory Sciences at the Massachusetts Division of Public Health, reported in a assertion.

During these telehealth visits, residents will choose a small health consumption survey and a clinician will overview indicators and danger elements. If Paxlovid is identified to be the ideal treatment, a prescription will be requested to a pharmacy handy for the patient. Absolutely free right away shipping of Paxlovid can also be arranged.

“This treatment have to be started out within just five times of signs, so it is essential to discuss with a clinician correct absent. This new telehealth option will make it a lot easier for citizens to join swiftly with a clinician and we persuade men and women who exam constructive to make use of it,” Madoff explained in a statement.

The software and prescription are absolutely free, and citizens do not want to have health insurance to access it.

Paxlovid is meant for men and women 12 and older with a mild to moderate situation of COVID-19 who are at greater threat for intense COVID-19, are in 5 times of symptom onset, and have analyzed constructive for the virus, regardless of vaccination position. Treatment have to get started as shortly as probable right after testing optimistic and inside five days of symptom onset. Paxlovid can minimize the threat for serious condition development and hospitalization by virtually 90 p.c, according to the administration’s announcement.

“Fortunately, we have arrived at a place in the pandemic where the instruments to stay secure and healthy are a great deal far more greatly offered. These incorporate vaccines very first and foremost,” Dr. Shira Doron, Infectious Disorder Medical doctor and Hospital Epidemiologist at Tufts Medical Center claimed in a statement. “But now any one who receives COVID and has even a one risk aspect can and really should also avail by themselves of just one of a number of highly effective treatment plans, which includes two oral antiviral prescription drugs, of which there is plentiful source. It is important for the community to know that these therapies are safe and sound and efficient at decreasing your chance of progressing to serious COVID-19.”

The telehealth system is supported by Colour Health, a corporation that helps link patients with COVID assessments and treatment.