April 25, 2022: Oral Medications for COVID-19

Dear Columbia faculty and staff:

We are pleased to let you know that ColumbiaDoctors will be facilitating access to oral treatment for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and who meet certain medical criteria. Paxlovid is one of the oral medications that has been shown to reduce the likelihood of hospitalization. Since it does need to be taken within five days of symptom onset, we are providing quick access to physicians who can prescribe this medication.

Paxlovid is available to anyone who meets the criteria for emergency use as authorized by the FDA. This includes the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and children (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kilograms, or about 88 pounds) who have tested positive and are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19, which includes anyone age 65 or older. 

If you meet these criteria and have tested positive for COVID, please contact your existing health care provider right away. Alternatively, you may make a virtual or in-person appointment with Columbia providers at Columbia Primary Care, the Nurse Practitioner Group, as well as with our virtual urgent care team. Be sure to state that the appointment is for COVID treatment with a positive test. 

Columbia affiliates who need further assistance in obtaining appointments for Paxlovid treatment have access to a dedicated line, (212) 305-3105, on Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

Finally, the City of New York has treatment resources noted here. 

Sincerely,

George A. "Jack" Cioffi, MD

President, ColumbiaDoctors

Shunichi "Nick" Homma, MD

Chief Medical Officer, ColumbiaDoctors