LOS ANGELES (KNX) — Los Angeles County health officials urged Angelenos Wednesday to consider therapeutic treatment to prevent severe cases of COVID-19, saying that the county has at least three medications available for all the county's residents.
"These free medications can help prevent serious illness, hospitalization, or death, and are particularly critical for residents at elevated risk of poor outcomes should they become infected with COVID," health officials said in a statement.
"Given that the new therapeutics can save the lives of residents who are at elevated risk, Public Health is working closely with partners across the county to make sure they are accessible to those who are most vulnerable to severe illness from a COVID infection," Barbara Ferrer, the director of Public Health, said in a statement released by the department.
"Having sites where residents can both get tested and receive appropriate medications if they are positive is essential and we look forward to working with federal and pharmacy partners to expand availability of 'Test to Treat' programs, especially in our under-resourced communities."
The therapeutics currently available in L.A. County are:
Paxlovid
An oral therapeutic available to anyone 12 and up weighing more than 88 pounds. Must be taken within five days of first COVID symptoms and requires a prescription.
Molnupiravir
An oral therapeutic available to anyone 18 and older. Must be taken within five days of first COVID symptoms and requires a prescription.
Evulshed
An injection available to anyone 12 and older who weighs at least 88 pounds and has not been exposed to COVID-19 and cannot get the COVID-19 vaccine for medical reasons or because they have a weak immunse system.
To make sure that Angelenos have adequate access to the medications, the Department of Public Health said it is working to enroll new providers in a network of sites that are available to people of all backgrounds.
"Public Health will also be launching a pilot project aimed at providing a telehealth option for patients who are unable to access care or are uninsured. Patients testing positive at selected testing sites in under-served communities will be linked to a telehealth option and, if eligible, will be shipped medications at no cost," the department said.
Since the county began receiving therapeutics, 64% of Paxlovid doses, 82% of Molnupiravir doses, and 67% of Evusheld doses have been sent to providers in the most under-resourced communities, the department said.
To date, 17,840 doses of Paxlovid, 37,748 doses of Molnupiravir, and 12,936 doses of Evusheld have been distributed across the county.
Angelenos interested in the medicines or who have questions about them are asked to contact their medical provider or call the COVID-19 information line at (833) 540-0473. The line is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., daily. Residents can also visit the federal therapeutics locator to find available therapeutics near them.
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