Stop & Shop Gets In On Anti-Viral Medication Distribution In CT

CONNECTICUT — Stop & Shop is now offering the two federally authorized coronavirus anti-viral medications, the supermarket chain announced Monday.

Paxlovid will be available at all 70-plus Connecticut pharmacies and Molnupiravir, will also be available at select Stop & Shop Pharmacy locations across Connecticut, Stop & Shop officials said.

The anti-viral drugs are available at "no cost" with a valid prescription from a healthcare provider, officials said. Stop & Shop's pharmacists are also authorized to administer second virus booster shots to eligible patients per the CDC’s latest recommendations regarding additional boosters, officials said.

The anti-viral medication Molnupiravir can be prescribed to those 18 and older, while Paxlovid is authorized for use by adults and children ages 12 and older weighing at least 88 pounds. Availability of the anti-viral oral prescription will vary by store, officials said. Once prescribed, Stop & Shop is encouraging those infected to stay home and send a family member or friend to pick up the prescription. Stop & Shop associates will also be available to deliver the prescription to customers' vehicles via curbside delivery, officials said.

According to the FDA, the COVID anti-viral prescriptions are for the treatment of the coronavirus in those who are at higher risk of developing more severe outcomes of the illness. The FDA has been adamant that the anti-virals are not substitutes for the vaccinations.

"As the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved over the past two years, Stop & Shop Pharmacy has provided our customers and communities with convenient and safe ways to protect their families and loved ones,” said Katie Thornell, the director of pharmacy operations at Stop & Shop. "By now offering COVID-19 anti-virals, as well as second boosters to eligible customers, we look forward to helping more community members defend themselves and their families against COVID-19 and its evolving variants."

Stop & Shop pharmacies have also partnered with the Federal government to distribute over the counter, self-administered, rapid COVID-19 tests to eligible Medicare Part B recipients at no cost.