SE Illinois News

Earlier this month, Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Teutopolis) penned a letter to the director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, Ngozi Zike to urge the IDPH to formulate a plan to distribute  antiviral medicines to pharmacies and hospitals. 

The news that two new antiviral treatments would be made available in Illinois prompted the letter to Zike. 

In a statement, Niemerg said, “We have heard about the rationing and selective distribution of  medicines in other states and I want to be sure that no region of our state is left out of the distribution,” stated Niemerg. “There  should be nobody restricted from access to any treatments should they choose to take them in their fight against the coronavirus.”

In  the letter, Niemerg requested a list of which pharmacies and  hospitals would receive COVID-19 antiviral treatments from Pfizer and Merck, as well as how much of each medication would go to each location.

The two antiviral medications are expected to help treat patients with COVID. 

Both Paxlovid from Pfizer, and Molnupiravir from Merck will be available by prescription only for those who have mild to moderate COVID symptoms or those who are high risk.

Niemerg's letter read:

"It has come to my attention that two COVID-19 antiviral treatments will be coming to Illinois in the coming weeks from Pfizer (Paxlovid) and Merck (Molnupiravir) to be distributed to pharmacies around the state. The reports indicate that these treatments are for those with mild or moderate symptoms of COVID-19 and who are at high risk of severe illness. 

I would like to know which pharmacies and what hospitals (if any) will receive these medications and what the quantity will be for each location and/or medical facility."

The IDPH or its director have not responded to the letter or provided guidance as to where the medications will be distributed and in what quantity.