The Underutilization of COVID-19 and Flu Antivirals
The introduction of COVID-19 and influenza (flu) antivirals marked a significant advancement in the battle against two potentially life-threatening viral respiratory diseases. However, despite their proven benefits, data suggest a concerning gap between the need for these treatments and prescription rates, particularly among high-risk and underserved communities.
Last Updated03/06/2025
The Underutilization of COVID-19 and Flu Antivirals
Antiviral Treatments for COVID-19 & Flu: How They Work and Why They Matter
Last Updated02/20/2025
Antiviral treatments are prescription medications that can help the body fight viral infections – easing symptoms, shortening the length of sickness, and lowering the risk of spreading the infection. They’re especially valuable for older adults and other high-risk groups, but data shows a persistent gap between the need for these treatments and actual prescription rates.
The Alliance for Aging Research partnered with CVEEP to host a discussion on antiviral treatments for flu and COVID-19 – who should take them, how they work, the need to start them quickly after an infection, and what people should do if they are sick.
Panelists included:
Dr. Amesh Adalja, Senior Scholar, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security
Dr. William Schaffner, Past Medical Director and Current Spokesperson, National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID)
Lindsay Clarke, JD, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Health Education, Alliance for Aging Research (AAR) (moderator)
Respiratory Season is Here: Everything You Need to Know About Fall Vaccines
Last Updated11/08/2024
As respiratory illness season is now underway, it’s crucial for healthcare professionals and the public to stay informed on the latest guidance regarding COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines. The first featured a fireside chat featuring Dr. Peter Marks of the FDA, who shared key regulatory updates and highlighted the critical role of vaccines in preventing severe illness during respiratory season and beyond.
Following the fireside chat, a panel of experts analyzed the recent summer COVID-19 surge and outline what individuals need to know about receiving their updated vaccines. The panel also discussed the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of co-administering the COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines, while examining the current trends in vaccine uptake. By stressing the importance of timely vaccination, the panelists offered practical insights and strategies to ensure widespread protection this fall.
Panelists include:
Peter Marks, MD, PhD, Director, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), FDA
Uché Blackstock, MD, Emergency Physician, Founder & CEO of Advancing Health Equity
Synovia Moss, MPA, CEO/Managing Partner, Moss Consulting & Management Group, National Project Manager, Good Health Women’s Immunization Networks (Good Health WINs), National Council of Negro Women
Kayla McFeely, PharmD, Vice President, Pharmacy Care, Health & Wellness Programs, National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS)
Sue Peschin, MS, President and CEO, Alliance for Aging Research (moderator)
Treatments | COVID-19
Antivirals Fact Sheet
There are treatment options available that can help reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk of hospitalization and death among people who are at high risk for severe COVID-19. Unfortunately, many of those who need COVID-19 treatments don’t know treatments are an option and aren’t getting them.
Staying up to date with recommended vaccines is your best first line of defense; however, infections may still occur, so it is important to act quickly at the first sign of symptoms or a positive test. If you begin to experience symptoms, there are testing and treatment options available for you.
Nearly all private and public health insurance plans cover all vaccines recommended by the CDC’s ACIP—which includes vaccines that protect against COVID-19, flu, pneumococcal disease, RSV, and pertussis (whooping cough)—free of cost to you.
What to Know About Maternal Vaccines This Respiratory Season
Last Updated08/22/2024
For pregnant people, maternal vaccines are critical to prenatal care and help protect infants during their first few months of life when newborns are vulnerable to infectious respiratory diseases. As we approach the 2024-2025 respiratory illness season, four vaccines are available to help protect infants, including newly available prevention options. Yet, despite the important role of vaccines during pregnancy, rates of maternal vaccine uptake remain suboptimal.
To further this discussion, Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity and Progress (CVEEP) hosted a conversation on current maternal vaccine guidance, including the maternal RSV vaccine, and potential solutions to address barriers that can impact access to recommended vaccines. The discussion featured provider perspectives across the healthcare continuum and addressed what individuals and organizations can do to help promote maternal vaccination.
Panelists included:
Pragna Patel, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer, Coronavirus and Other Respiratory Viruses Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Haywood Brown, MD, Vice Dean of Faculty Affairs, Morsani College of Medicine and Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of South Florida; Former President, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
Michelle Fiscus, MD, FAAP, Chief Medical Officer, Association of Immunization Managers (AIM)
Allison Hill, PharmD, RPh, Director, Practice Implementation & Professional Affairs, American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
Beth Battaglino, RN-C, CEO of HealthyWomen and CVEEP Convener (moderator)
COVID-19 | Vaccines
Milestones: Changes to the COVID-19 Virus & Updated Vaccines
As the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads, it changes. The vaccines targeting COVID-19 are updated regularly to provide protection against changing variants.
Last Updated06/24/2024
Milestones: Changes to the COVID-19 Virus & Updated Vaccines
