Walmart set to dispense COVID antiviral medications at select stores

Walmart is now carrying the two medications that recently became available to treat COVID-19.

The retail giant on Dec. 30 said that Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies are ready to start dispensing the COVID-19 antiviral medications, Paxlovid and Molnupiravir, as supplies allow. The Food and Drug Administration recently gave both drugs, which require a prescription from a health care provider, emergency use authorization.

The medications will only be available at select Walmart and Sam’s Club stores in a limited number of states until more supply is available. Because the treatments are for people who are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19, the medications will be dispensed only through curbside pickup or through drive-thru pharmacy windows. Walmart said it worked closely with the federal government and state health departments to select locations where the drugs were needed most.

The company has provided a website where consumers and health providers can search to find the nearest Walmart or Sam's Club pharmacy that is carrying either medication. While initial medication supply is limited, Walmart said it is ready to help expand treatment access nationwide as the supply becomes more available.

“We are committed to working with our state and federal partners to provide access to new treatment options like authorized COVID-19 antiviral medications, as they become available,” said Kevin Host, senior VP of pharmacy,” Walmart. “This medication offers customers the option to recover at home and helps reduce the burden on our hospitals and communities. As we have since the beginning of the pandemic, we’re proud to support our communities through everyday essentials, healthy food, vaccines, medication and other health care needs as we all work together to weather the pandemic.”