COVID-19 Treatments

COVID-19 Treatments are now widely available!

Treatment for COVID-19 is available to some people who are at high risk for developing severe COVID-19 disease. These treatments reduce symptoms and chances of being hospitalized. Most treatment needs to be taken within five days of the start of symptoms – do not delay, seek treatment early.  

COVID-19 treatments

What COVID-19 treatment is available?

Oral antiviral medications: These are medications that target the virus that causes COVID-19 and stop it from replicating (growing in your body). This helps to prevent severe disease.

If started within 5 days of symptoms starting oral antiviral medications reduce the risk of hospitalization and death by 88% with Paxlovid and 30% with Molnupiravir.

Paxlovid

  • 3 pills twice a day for 5 days
  • Should be started within 5 days of the start of symptoms
  • Available to people 12 years of age and older, weighing at least 88 pounds and are at high risk for developing severe COVID-19 disease (People with Certain Medical Conditions - CDC)
  • Available through the Test-to-Treat program and local pharmacies
  • This medication needs to be prescribed by a clinician

Molnupiravir

  • 4 pills twice a day for 5 days
  • Should be started within 5 days of the start of symptoms
  • Available to adults over 18 years of age who are at high risk for developing severe COVID-19 disease (People with Certain Medical Conditions - CDC)
  • Available through the Test-to-Treat program and local pharmacies
  • This medication needs to be prescribed by a clinician

Your provider will determine which medication is best for you.

Monoclonal antibody injection

EVUSHELD

  • Two injections given back-to-back on the same day
  • Must be done at a clinic or infusion site
  • Used to prevent COVID-19
  • Must be given before you are infected or exposed to SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19)
  • Available to people 12 years of age and older, weighing at least 88 pounds, and who have moderate to severe immune compromise or for those for whom the vaccines are not recommended.

Bebtelovimab

  • A one-time injection
  • Must be done at a clinic or infusion site
  • Should be taken within 7 days of the start of symptoms
  • Available to people 12 years of age and older, weighing at least 88 pounds and are at high risk for developing severe COVID-19 disease (People with Certain Medical Conditions - CDC)

Your provider will determine which medication is best for you.

Who is eligible for treatment?

People 12 and older who test positive for COVID-19 (PCR or rapid at-home test) and have symptoms may be eligible for treatment. It is very important to seek treatment if you are 65 years and older or have an underlying medical condition that increases your risk of severe COVID-19. 

Underlying health conditions include but are not limited to obesity, diabetes, heart conditions, chronic lung conditions, chronic kidney disease, a weakened immune system, or being pregnant. See the CDC’s website for more information: (People with Certain Medical Conditions - CDC)

Can I take these medications if vaccinated?

Yes, these medications can be given to individuals who are already vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective at preventing severe disease and hospitalizations. However, in vaccinated older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions, there is still a risk of COVID-19 symptoms becoming severe. The COVID-19 therapeutics are another layer of protection in addition to the vaccine. They are not a substitute for vaccination.

What is the Test to Treat program?

A federal program that allows you to have access to antiviral medications as soon you find out you have COVID-19. The medications are distributed through pharmacies and some long-term care facilities where you can be tested on-site and then provided antiviral pills at no cost if you test positive.

Where is the Test to Treat locations in Baltimore City?

ExpressCare – walk-in or make an appointment

ExpressCare Appointment Link

Expresscare Of Wilkens
3815 Wilkens Ave, Baltimore, MD 21229

Expresscare Of Brooklyn Park
5400 Ritchie Hwy, Brooklyn Park, MD 21225-3443

Expresscare Of Sinai
2401 W Belvedere Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215

Expresscare Of Overlea
7700 Belair Rd, Baltimore, MD 21236

Expresscare Of Essex
1354 Eastern Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21221

CVS MinuteClinic – appointment required

MinuteClinic Appointment Link

CVS Store #07952
630 Exeter St., Baltimore, MD 21202

CVS Store #17663
3559 Boston St, Baltimore, MD 21224

CVS Store #04438
6635-37 Belair Rd, Baltimore, MD 21206

If you have questions about Test to Treat locations:

Click here to find a Test to Treat location in Baltimore City. You can also call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 888-720-7489) from 8 am to 12p ET to find a location near you.

The Disability Information and Access Line is available to help people with disabilities access services. Call 1-888-677-1199, Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm ET, or email them by clicking here.

Can I choose what type of treatment I get?

Talk with your primary care provider to determine what treatment is best for you. At the Test to Treat location, there are providers who will help determine what treatment is best for you.

For more information on testing and treatment options, you can visit the following web pages:

Maryland Department of Health Treatment Options
covidLINK - Maryland Department of Health

FDA Know Your Treatment Options

CDC Testing Information
Testing for COVID-19 (cdc.gov)