Media Statement on FDA’s Revised Emergency Use Authorization for Paxlovid

AmerisourceBergen and Good Neighbor Pharmacy, a national independent pharmacy network, commend the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) revised Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Paxlovid, authorizing state-licensed pharmacists to prescribe the COVID-19 antiviral to eligible patients. Pharmacists have always played a critical role in our healthcare system, the pandemic simply put a spotlight on the importance of pharmacists and pharmacies, especially as accessible healthcare providers and destinations nationwide. The FDA’s revision to the Paxlovid EUA is yet another significant recognition by the federal government of community pharmacists’ capabilities, accessibility and value in delivering essential care and reducing barriers to that care. While we are elated by this news, more needs to be done to support our community pharmacies.

We must safeguard this critical lifeline and take steps to support community pharmacies’ long-term viability as local healthcare destinations. Congress recently introduced H.R. 7213, a bipartisan bill that would ensure patients continue to have access to essential pandemic and pandemic-related health services provided by pharmacists once the public health emergency ends. This includes reimbursement pathways for these services which will enable pharmacists to help keep communities safe from COVID-19 and future public health threats. We’re calling on Congress to pass H.R. 7213 to keep moving our healthcare system forward.