UK to roll out Pfizer's COVID-19 pills next month

LONDON: The United Kingdom would begin rolling out Pfizer's COVID-19 tablet to vulnerable patients next month, with the medication aimed at people with weakened immune systems for whom the vaccine may be ineffective.

As per the Department of Health and Social Care, United Kingdom, thousands of patients would be able to use Pfizer's antiviral tablet Paxlovid beginning February 10. Paxlovid is a combination of Pfizer's tablet and the older antiviral ritonavir.

Further, the United Kingdom had also ordered 2.75 million courses of Paxlovid, and the government had also mentioned that it would then provide additional details on access to the treatment soon, but that those who are immunocompromised, cancer patients, or have Down's Syndrome may be able to access it directly.