The FDA has authorized the emergency use of Paxlovid for people who aren't seriously ill with COVID-19, but who have a higher risk of becoming seriously ill after getting the virus. The CDC identifies numerous risk factors that make someone eligible for Paxlovid treatment, including the following:
• Age 65 or over (if you're vaccinated against COVID-19)
• Age 50 or over (if you're not vaccinated against COVID-19)
• BMI 25 or higher
• Physical inactivity (sedentary lifestyle)
• Current use or former regular use of tobacco products
• Pregnant or recently pregnant (in the last 6 weeks)
• Asthma
• Cancer, HIV, or a weakened immune system
• Chronic kidney disease (with eGFR above 30mL/min)
• Chronic liver disease
• Chronic lung disease
• Cystic fibrosis
• Dementia or Alzheimer’s
• Diabetes
• Disabilities such as learning, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and limitations with self-care or activities of daily living
• Heart condition like heart failure, coronary artery disease, or arrhythmia
• Mental health condition like depression or schizophrenia
• Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
• A history of stroke, TIA, or cerebrovascular disease
• Substance use disorder (drugs or alcohol)
• Tuberculosis
Please note: This information is for general reference only. Your clinician will review your symptoms and health history to determine which (if any) treatments are medically appropriate.