Stop & Shop To Offer Approved COVID-19 Anti-Virals In NY

NEW YORK — The two government-approved COVID-19 anti-viral medications will now be offered at all 55 Stop & Shop pharmacies in New York.

The drugs are available at no cost with a valid prescription from a healthcare provider, according to a news release Thursday.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Paxlovid and Molnupiravir days apart at the end of December.

Paxlovid comes from Pfizer, and Molnupiravir was created by Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics.

Katie Thornell, director of pharmacy operations at Stop & Shop, said the company has continued providing customers with convenient and safe ways to protect themselves and their families as the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved over the past two years.

"By now offering COVID-19 anti-virals, as well as second boosters to eligible customers," she said, "we look forward to helping more community members defend themselves and their families against COVID-19 and its evolving variants."

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.

Once prescribed, Stop & Shop said the infected person is encouraged to stay home and send a trusted family member or friend to pick up the prescription. The pharmacy said it will also be available to deliver the prescription to the customers' vehicles via curbside delivery in store parking lots.

According to the FDA, the anti-viral prescriptions are for treatment of COVID-19 in those who are at higher risk of developing more severe outcomes of the disease. The FDA said the anti-viral medications are not a substitute for vaccinations against the coronavirus.

Stop & Shop will also distribute over-the-counter, rapid COVID-19 tests to eligible Medicare Part B recipients for free and will also administer the second booster shot to the immunocompromised and people 50 and older. For more information, or to make an appointment for a booster, go here.

SEE ALSO: 2nd COVID Booster: Where To Get It In New York