Important update: Healthcare facilities
CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more
UPDATE
Given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, CDC has updated the guidance for fully vaccinated people. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
UPDATE
The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. More information is available here.

Get Medicine for COVID-19

Get Medicine for COVID-19
Updated Nov. 16, 2022

There is medicine you can take if you get very sick from COVID-19.
Taking medicine can help you stay out of the hospital.
Call your doctor right away if you get sick with COVID-19.
It is important to take the medicine right away.

Who Should Take Medicine for COVID-19?

A woman is covering her nose with a tissue and checking her temperature on a thermometer.

Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms.
You can buy medicines from the drug store if you feel bad.
These medicines include Tylenol, Motrin, and Advil.

Some people may get very sick from COVID-19.
Medicines from the drug store are not enough.
A doctor can prescribe COVID-19 medicine for these people.
Medicine helps keep these people from going to the hospital.
These medicines include Paxlovid and Lagevrio.

Who May Get Very Sick from COVID-19?

A group of people are shown who have different reasons they may get very sick from COVID-19. The people who are older, group includes people with disabilities, people who have weak immune systems, people who have serious health problems, people who are pregnant, and people who have not gotten the COVID-19 shot.

People who are 50 years old or older may get very sick.
People with disabilities may get very sick.
People with weak immune systems may get very sick.
People with serious health problems may get very sick.
Pregnant people may get very sick.
People who have not gotten a COVID-19 shot may get very sick.
If this sounds like you and you get COVID-19, call your doctor right away.

How Can I Get Medicine?

A woman is at her doctor’s office wearing a mask and is talking to her doctor who is also masked. The woman is holding a brochure about COVID-19 medicine.

If you test positive for COVID-19, ask your doctor about medicine.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines.
Your doctor will help decide if COVID-19 medicine is right for you.

You can also visit a “Test to Treat” location.
These locations offer testing and medicine all in one place.
If treatment is right for you, you can get medicine right then.
Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 888-720-7489) to find a location near you.

When Should I Get Medicine?

A woman is at home and calling her doctor over the phone.

Call your doctor right away if you get sick with COVID-19.
Start the medicine within a few days of getting sick.
The medicine works best if you start it right away.