KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Following the one-year anniversary of the first COVID shots, Pfizer has announced that it has a pill that will greatly reduce the number of hospitalizations that result from new infections.
The pill, known as PAXLOVID, would be administered over five days following the first sign of symptoms. The sooner the treatments begin, the better the outcomes.
CEO Albert Bourlas tells CNN that if the treatments begin within three days, they could reduce the number of hospital stays by 89 percent. However, he adds that the vaccine remains their first line of defense to stop the spread of COVID-19.
This treatment would be a stopgap after infections occur.
He hopes with speedy FDA approval, they could have them available nationally in just a few months. Bourlas says they continue to work on an Omicron specific vaccine, but says its too early to say whether it will be needed.
Local hospital officials say they are currently in a healthcare crisis because they are filled to the brim with COVID patients, leaving little room for those with other ailments.
— Copy Written by John McNeil —
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