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Get treated for COVID-19 or flu

We’ll walk you through the process to help you get the COVID-19 or flu treatment you may need from a licensed CVS® pharmacist. If you’re not sure which treatment would be right for you, you can take our pre-treatment survey to help you decide on your next steps.

A CVS pharmacist waits for her next patient at the pharmacy.

Learn more about our treatment process for COVID-19 and flu

Read below to decide if our process for COVID-19 or flu treatment* is right for you. If you’re not sure where to start, take our pre-treatment survey.

COVID-19 treatment at CVS

If you’re eligible*, CVS pharmacists may prescribe and fill Paxlovid, a COVID-19 antiviral medication, or refer you to a primary care provider (PCP) or MinuteClinic® for treatment.

The first step is to take our digital screener to help determine if Paxlovid is a proper treatment option for you. If you’re eligible, you can then schedule some time to talk with a CVS pharmacist to review your health information.* From there, your pharmacist will either prescribe Paxlovid for you,* or refer you to a (PCP) or MinuteClinic.

You may be eligible for Paxlovid if you: 

  • Started having symptoms within the past 10 days
  • Have not yet been admitted to the hospital 
  • Are at a high risk for developing severe COVID-19
  • Are 12 or older and weigh at least 88 pounds 
  • Have certain bloodwork dated within the last 12 months that you can share with your pharmacist
  • Have one or more risk factors for developing sever COVID-19—view the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on risk factors) 
  • Do not have kidney or liver disease

 

Take our COVID- 19 screener

While there may be no cost for Paxlovid if prescribed, you may be charged up to $60 for the clinical assessment performed by your CVS pharmacist. The $60 fee will be charged even if you are deemed ineligible for Paxlovid. This fee can be paid by cash or health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) funds. You may also check your insurance to see if this cost would be covered. A covered assessment may be available from other providers.

All CVS Pharmacy® retail locations carry COVID-19 oral antiviral medications. Due to state and federal regulations, pharmacists cannot provide this service to Medicaid* members at this time. 

Flu treatment at CVS

If you’re eligible, your pharmacist may prescribe you Tamiflu (oseltamivir), Relenza or Xofluza for treatment, or refer you to a PCP or MinuteClinic.

The first step is to take our digital flu screener to see if any of these medications may be right for you. You can then schedule an over-the-phone assessment with a CVS pharmacist. Based on the health information that’s collected, your pharmacist will either prescribe one of the above flu treatment medications to you or refer you to a PCP or MinuteClinic.

You may be eligible for flu treatment if you:

  • are age 12 or older
  • have not yet been admitted to the hospital 
  • are in California, Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington or Wisconsin. 
  • are not using Medicaid* or any other state or federally funded form of insurance

 

Take our flu screener

While there may be no cost for flu treatment if prescribed, you may be charged up to $40 for the clinical assessment performed by your CVS pharmacist. The $40 fee will be charged even if you are deemed ineligible for flu treatment. This fee can be paid by cash or health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) funds. You may also check your insurance to see if this cost would be covered. Due to state and federal regulations, pharmacists cannot provide this service to Medicaid* members at this time. A covered assessment may be available from other providers.

There are other options for treatment if you do not meet all the necessary criteria for the clinical assessment and the prescribing of flu treatment. If you're not eligible for a pharmacist consult, please contact MinuteClinic or your PCP for care. Contact your insurance provider if you do not have a PCP or to see if you qualify for low-cost primary care. 

Get COVID-19 and flu treatment anytime from MinuteClinic

A clinician at MinuteClinic waits for her next patient. - testing image

Get the treatment you may need from licensed clinicians

MinuteClinic offers in-person and Virtual Care seven days a week for both COVID-19 and flu symptoms.

Book a MinuteClinic appointment

COVID-19 treatment FAQs

This assessment fee is similar to the fee charged for other medical visits. This fee covers the clinical time spent reviewing the patient’s medical record, consulting with the patient’s health care team (if needed) and documenting visit information in the patient’s medical chart. CVS Health® is committed to providing safe, high-quality care that meets clinical prescribing guidelines. Prescriptions are not guaranteed and are only provided if clinically appropriate. Assessment fees are eligible for HSA or FSA funds. At this time, CVS Health is working to expand health plan coverage for pharmacist-provided care. A covered assessment may be available from other providers.

Eligible patients within five days of COVID-19 symptom onset may seek a prescription from a pharmacist by first completing the digital eligibility screener on CVS.com or via the CVS Pharmacy app. Patients will be asked screening questions to determine eligibility. Patients must have had certain bloodwork performed in the past 12 months and must provide supporting documentation or electronic records. Pharmacists are required to review patient kidney and liver blood test values before prescribing Paxlovid. If a patient is unable to provide supporting documentation or a CVS pharmacist is unable to locate an Electronic Health Record (EHR), the pharmacist will attempt to contact the patient’s provider to verify results.

CVS Pharmacy is now offering the service in 49 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. 

Patients are encouraged to use our digital eligibility screener on CVS.com® and via the CVS Pharmacy app to make an appointment for an over-the-phone consultation. If a COVID-19 positive patient seeks an assessment within a retail pharmacy location, they will be sent a text message with a link to the digital eligibility form and asked to complete it outside of the building.

Under the CDC’s emergency use authorization (EUA), patients who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death, are eligible for Paxlovid. This includes people within five days of COVID-19 symptom onset, who are age 12 or order (and at least 88 pounds) and, for pharmacist prescribing, have certain bloodwork dated within the last 12 months available for review either by uploading to the digital screener or via the patient's electronic health record.

Once a patient completes our digital eligibility screener through CVS.com or the CVS Pharmacy app and is determined to be eligible, they can schedule an over-the-phone appointment with a pharmacist. The pharmacist will assess the patient and those who are eligible will receive a prescription for Paxlovid.

Per FDA guidance, CVS pharmacists are only authorized to prescribe Paxlovid for the treatment of COVID-19 at this time.

Patients who meet the eligibility criteria of the digital screener and who opt to seek clinical assessment and treatment for COVID-19 from a CVS pharmacist are responsible for an upfront payment, which varies by insurance. If the assessment is not covered by an insurance plan, there is an out-of-pocket fee of $60, which is collected via credit/debit card at the time of scheduling. Patients may also use HSA or FSA funds to pay for the assessment. We’re working to add payer partners for this pharmacist-provided care. Patients are encouraged to check with their health insurance plan to determine coverage under the pharmacy benefit. There is no cost to the patient for the oral antiviral medication Paxlovid, if prescribed. Payment is for the clinical assessment from a pharmacist, and not all assessments may result in a prescription depending on clinical eligibility. A covered assessment may be available from other providers.

Unfortunately, patient care services provided by pharmacists are not covered by Medicare or certain state Medicaid plans, and we are unable to bill for these services. Patients who seek COVID-19 assessment and treatment by a CVS pharmacist will be provided with links to providers that can provide the service to the patient. Therefore, patients seeking COVID-19 assessment and treatment by a CVS pharmacist will have to pay for this service out of pocket. The fee, like those charged for other medical visits, covers the time spent reviewing the patient’s medical record, consulting with the patient and the patient’s health care team (if needed), and documenting the visit information in the patient’s medical chart. We are working with health insurers and third-party payers to determine if they will cover this service as we expand the offering to additional CVS Pharmacy locations.

In recent years, pharmacists’ clinical ability has been recognized, leading states to increase patient access to care through pharmacy services. For example, in certain states, CVS pharmacists may evaluate patients and prescribe hormonal contraceptives for a fee. Ultimately, the FDA’s decision to allow pharmacists to prescribe Paxlovid gives pharmacies the ability to increase access to high-quality and affordable COVID-19 care, giving pharmacists the opportunity to further practice at the top of their training and education and to be reimbursed for this important clinical work.

Patients may choose to send their prescription to the pharmacy of their choice.

All clinical assessment details, including information gathered during the digital eligibility screener and entered by the pharmacist during the scheduled assessment will be securely stored in the patient’s electronic health record. Health information with respect to this treatment will be sent to the patient's indicated primary care provider and after-visit summaries will be provided to the patient at the end of the visit.

The FDA updated its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Paxlovid to allow pharmacists to prescribe it for the treatment of COVID-19. This action helps improve access to affordable care and positions the pharmacist as an integrated provider within the patient’s health care team. Pharmacists are among the most trusted health care professionals for their frequent and personal interactions with patients in local, accessible, and convenient pharmacy settings.

Before being allowed to prescribe Paxlovid, all CVS pharmacists will complete an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) approved continuing education training to help ensure their understanding of the clinical assessment and prescribing process for the medication. Additional system training, job aids, and tools are included to support safe pharmacist prescribing.

CVS Health is committed to improving access and lowering health-care costs. We’re working to add payor partners for this pharmacist-provided care. Patients are encouraged to check with their health insurance or prescription benefit plan to determine coverage, as it may vary by provider. Unfortunately, patient care services provided by pharmacists are not covered by Medicare or certain state Medicaid plans, Medicare and certain Medicaid patients who seek COVID-19 assessment and treatment by a CVS pharmacist will be directed to alternate service providers.

Patients will not be charged for Paxlovid but will be responsible for the cost of the pharmacist’s clinical assessment even if they are determined clinically ineligible for a prescription.

This assessment fee is similar to the fee charged for other medical visits. This fee covers the clinical time spent reviewing the patient’s medical record, consulting with the patient’s health care team (if needed), and documenting visit information in the patient’s medical chart. CVS Health® is committed to providing safe, high-quality care that meets clinical prescribing guidelines. Prescriptions are not guaranteed and are only provided if clinically appropriate. Assessment fees are eligible for HSA and/or FSA funds. At this time, CVS Health is working to expand health plan coverage for pharmacist-provided care.

All CVS Pharmacy retail locations carry COVID-19 oral antiviral medications.

The federal government gives health care providers access to information about which pharmacies have supply of COVID-19 antiviral medications. Health care providers may also contact their local state health department to determine which area pharmacies are actively dispensing.

For the protection of patients, customers, and colleagues, COVID-19 positive patients prescribed this medication are encouraged to visit one of our drive-thru windows to pick up their prescription or have a caregiver pick up the medication for them. If the pharmacy does not have a drive-thru, or a caregiver is not available, patients can contact their pharmacist to discuss pick-up options. Same day delivery is also offered for a small fee at many of our locations and is free with a CarePass subscription.


Once a patient completes our digital eligibility screener through CVS.com or the CVS Pharmacy app and is determined to be eligible, they can schedule an over-the-phone appointment with a pharmacist. The pharmacist will assess the patient and those who are eligible will receive a prescription for Paxlovid.

Flu treatment FAQs

Patients can schedule an over-the-phone assessment with a CVS pharmacist by visiting CVS.com® or using the CVS Pharmacy app. Based on the (CDC) guidelines, our digital screener can help determine patient eligibility for clinical assessment and potential prescribing by a pharmacist. If for any reason a patient is deemed ineligible for a pharmacist consultation, they may be referred to a MinuteClinic® medical clinic or to a PCP. Eligible patients who receive a pharmacist assessment and prescription for flu treatment may have the prescription filled at the CVS Pharmacy location or another pharmacy of their choice. Patients must meet all eligibility requirements as defined by the CDC, and not all pharmacist assessments will result in a prescription. The cost for patients who are seeking assessment and treatment by a CVS pharmacist is $40, which is collected via credit or debit card at the time of scheduling. Patients may also use health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) funds to pay for the assessment. Cost for the medication will be dependent on insurance coverage. A covered assessment may be available from other providers.

Eligible patients may seek a prescription from a pharmacist by first completing the digital eligibility screener on CVS.com or via the CVS Pharmacy app. Patients will be asked screening questions to help determine eligibility. After completing the screener, if you are eligible, you can then schedule an over-the-phone assessment with a CVS pharmacist, who can prescribe an antiviral medication if one is appropriate.

Patients are encouraged to use our digital eligibility screener on CVS.com or via the CVS Pharmacy app to make an appointment for an over-the-phone consultation. If a flu positive patient seeks an assessment within a retail pharmacy location, they will be sent a text message with a link to the digital eligibility form and asked to complete it outside of the building.

Not all patients are eligible to have a flu treatment prescribed to them by a pharmacist. Our eligibility screener will help determine patient eligibility.

Patients who meet the eligibility criteria of the digital screener — and who opt to seek clinical assessment and treatment for flu from a CVS pharmacist — are responsible for an upfront payment of $40, which is collected via credit or debit card at the time of scheduling. Patients may also use HSA or FSA funds to pay for the assessment. We’re working to add payer partners for this pharmacist-provided care. Patients are encouraged to check with their health insurance plan to determine coverage. Cost for the medication will depend on patient’s insurance coverage. Payment is for the clinical assessment from a pharmacist, and not all assessments may result in a prescription depending on clinical eligibility. A covered assessment may be available from other providers.

Unfortunately, patient care services provided by pharmacists are not covered by Medicare or certain state Medicaid plans, and we are unable to bill for these services. Patients who seek flu assessment and treatment by a CVS pharmacist will be provided with links to providers that can provide the service to the patient. Therefore, patients seeking flu assessment and treatment by a CVS pharmacist will have to pay for this service out of pocket. The fee, like those charged for other medical visits, covers the time spent reviewing the patient’s medical record, consulting with the patient and the patient’s health care team (if needed), and documenting the visit information in the patient’s medical chart. We are working with health insurers and third-party payers to determine if they will cover this service as we expand the offering to additional CVS Pharmacy locations. In recent years, pharmacists’ clinical ability has been recognized, leading states to increase patient access to care through pharmacy services. For example, in certain states, CVS pharmacists may evaluate patients and prescribe hormonal contraceptives for a fee. Scenarios like these give pharmacists the opportunity to further practice at the top of their training and education and to be reimbursed for this important clinical work.

This assessment fee is similar to the fee charged for other medical visits. This fee covers the clinical time spent reviewing the patient’s medical record, consulting with the patient’s health care team (if needed), and documenting visit information in the patient’s medical chart. CVS Health is committed to providing safe, high-quality care that meets clinical prescribing guidelines. Prescriptions are not guaranteed and are only provided if clinically appropriate. Assessment fees are eligible for HSA and FSA funds. At this time, CVS Health is working to expand health plan coverage for pharmacist-provided care. A covered assessment may be available from other providers. 

  • *FOR TREATMENT ELIGIBILITY: Patients must meet all eligibility requirements as defined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and not all pharmacist assessments will result in a prescription. For more information, visit https://www.fda.gov/media/155052/download. If ineligible, you will be referred to your primary care physician (PCP) or you can visit a local MinuteClinic® location for further evaluation.

  • *FOR PHARMACIST ASSESSMENT: Depending on coverage, cost for the pharmacist assessment may vary. You may check with your insurance to confirm coverage. Payment information will be collected at the time of scheduling. Patients may choose to use health savings account (HSA) funds or flexible spending account (FSA).

  • *FOR PAXLOVID PRESCRIPTION BY PHARMACIST: Available at all CVS Pharmacy® locations, except those in New Hampshire. Prescriptions can also be sent to other pharmacies for fulfillment. Other licensed pharmacists may be able to prescribe and dispense Paxlovid, so you may have the option to visit other pharmacies for treatment.

  • * asterisk5 >>> FOR MEDICAID MEMBERS: Medicaid beneficiaries currently are not eligible for CVS® pharmacist assessment. Medicaid beneficiaries should visit their primary care physician (PCP) or participating provider.

  • *asterisk7 >>> FOR MEDICAID MEMBERS: Medicaid beneficiaries currently are not eligible for CVS® pharmacist assessment. Medicaid beneficiaries should visit their primary care physician (PCP) or participating provider.

  • *FOR MEDICARE MEMBERS: Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for a self-pay CVS® pharmacist assessment. Medicare beneficiaries must self-pay the clinical assessment fee at CVS Pharmacy®. A covered assessment may be available to Medicare members at alternate providers. If you're not eligible for a pharmacist consult, please contact MinuteClinic or your primary care provider (PCP) for care. Contact your insurance provider if you do not have a PCP or to see if you qualify for low-cost primary care. Find a nearby health center through the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA).