Hy-Vee Pharmacy Locations Now Offering Test-to-Treat COVID-19 Services
July 19, 2022 | News & Press Releases
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (July 19, 2022) — Hy-Vee, Inc. announces today that all Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations across its eight-state region now offer test-to-treat COVID-19 services using the COVID-19 antiviral, PAXLOVID, to help treat mild-to-moderate cases of COVID-19 in certain patients who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19.
Earlier this month, the FDA authorized state-licensed pharmacists to prescribe PAXLOVID to eligible patients ages 12+, with certain limitations.
In order to be prescribed PAXLOVID, patients must test positive for COVID-19. Select Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations offer rapid PCR COVID-19 testing (available by appointment only) with fast same-day test results, and all Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations offer over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 tests, which may be available to patients for free* depending on their medical coverage.
After receiving a positive COVID-19 test result, patients will be screened by a state-licensed Hy-Vee pharmacist to determine their eligibility for PAXLOVID. COVID-19 antiviral patients are required to wear a mask when in the store. To assist with the screening process, patients should provide the following to their local Hy-Vee Pharmacy:
• Date/proof of positive test result.
• Electronic or printed health records less than 12 months old, including the most recent reports of lab blood work for the pharmacist to review for kidney or liver problems.
• A list of all medications they are taking, including over-the-counter medications. This list will be used to screen for drugs with potentially serious interactions with PAXLOVID.
It is recommended that patients begin COVID-19 antiviral treatment as soon as possible, and treatment must begin within five days of when symptoms begin. COVID-19 antivirals are free with most insurances. Certain restrictions may apply for Medicaid recipients.
Most Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations are open seven days a week, offering convenient hours of service.
*Under the Biden Administration’s ruling, each individual covered under private insurance or Medicare Part B can currently receive up to eight (8) free at-home COVID-19 tests each month.
More About PAXLOVID
In order to receive PAXLOVID, patients must have a prescription from a health care provider or state-licensed pharmacist. PAXLOVID may only be used for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in individuals ages 12+ and >= 40 kg (>= 88 lb):
• With positive results of direct COVID-19 viral testing, AND
• Who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death, AND
• For whom alternative COVID-19 treatment options authorized by FDA are not accessible or clinically appropriate.
For more information, patients should see their health care provider.
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Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating more than 285 retail stores across eight Midwestern states with sales of more than $12 billion annually. The supermarket chain is synonymous with quality, variety, convenience, healthy lifestyles, culinary expertise and superior customer service. Hy-Vee ranks in the Top 5 Most Trusted Brands and has been named one of America’s Top 3 favorite grocery stores. The company’s more than 90,000 employees provide “A Helpful Smile in Every Aisle” to customers every day. For additional information, visit www.hy-vee.com.