SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton: Coronavirus Medication Given FDA Emergency Use Authorization

Press release from SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton:

December 23, 2021

SSM Health is aware of Pfizer’s Paxlovid, a new oral medication used to treat COVID-19. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration authorized the pill for emergency use. It is authorized for COVID-19 patients ages 12 and over who are vulnerable to becoming severely ill because they are older or have medical conditions such as obesity or diabetes. However, its authorization by the FDA is only the first step in the medication’s approval process and even after approval, supplies of the drug will be extremely limited.

Even as more treatment options become available, SSM Health encourages you to protect yourself by getting vaccinated against COVID-19, which includes a booster shot. Also get your flu shot. Please continue to be vigilant in protecting yourself and others from spreading illness: wear a mask, maintain social distance, practice frequent hand washing, and stay home when you are sick.

SSM Health is providing COVID-19 vaccinations for all patients ages 5 and older and boosters for all patients aged 16 and older. To schedule an appointment visit our vaccine scheduling page.

You also may schedule your COVID vaccination using MyChart.

• If you don’t have a MyChart account – sign up here.

This press release was produced by SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.