COVID-19: Therapeutics Distribution

Most people who get COVID-19 experience mild illness and can recover at home. A combination of rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms. But some people with severe illness may need medical care and treatment to get better. There are medications authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for those who are at risk of developing severe COVID-19. These medications – antivirals – have proven highly effective at keeping people from becoming very ill, being hospitalized, or dying from COVID-19. 

The federal government currently provides allocations of many of these medications to states for distribution to retail pharmacies, health systems, community health clinics, and Test to Treat sites. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) distributes COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments to health systems, clinics, and pharmacies throughout the state. There are also commercially available treatments. These entities can then prescribe and administer the medications for people with COVID-19. 

Free COVID-19 Treatment Telehealth consultations

DHS offers a free COVID-19 therapeutics treatment telehealth service for Wisconsinites ages 18 and older to help them access COVID-19 treatments. This service is also available to providers who would like support deciding whether to prescribe these treatments to their patients. Learn more about it on our telehealth webpage and with our telehealth flyers, available in English, Spanish, Hmong, Hindi, Chinese, and Somali, P-03329a

The following information is provided for health systems, pharmacists, and other health care providers to find information about the distribution of COVID-19 treatments across Wisconsin, how to join the federal Test to Treat program, and other resources regarding the provision of COVID-19 treatments. If you are a member of the public hoping to learn more about available treatments, please visit the COVID-19: Treatments and Medications webpage.


To order COVID-19 therapeutics, eligible pharmacies and health care providers must place an order through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Partner Ordering Portal (HPOP). To set up a free account in this service, email DHSOperations@wisconsin.gov for detailed instructions.


The nationwide therapeutics locator map, available through the Department of Health and Human Services, shows Test to Treat locations and over 700 pharmacies where treatments are available in Wisconsin.

The map shows locations that have received allocations of oral antiviral pills and the number of courses available at each location, including:

  • PAXLOVID™
  • Renal PAXLOVID™
  • Lagevrio™ (molnupiravir)

These COVID-19 treatment options are authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is partnering with the federal government on the Test to Treat program as part of the National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan. If your pharmacy, clinic, or organization is interested in becoming a Test to Treat site, please review this checklist, P-03251 (PDF) to see if you meet eligibility requirements.


Related resources

Glossary

 
Last revised August 29, 2023