COVID-19

Resources

CDC COVID-19 Guidelines

On August 11, 2022, the CDC provided a news release updating COVID-19 exposure, testing, and isolation guidelines, regardless of vaccination status.

  • The CDC recommends that instead of quarantining if you were exposed to COVID-19, you wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested on day 5.
  • If you test negative for COVID-19, it is recommended to continue the use of a high-quality mask through day 10 when around others at home or indoors in public.
    • If you experience symptoms of COVID-19, but test negative, there is no need to quarantine.
  • If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home and isolate from others for at least 5 days and continue wearing a high-quality mask around others in your home.
    • If after 5 days of isolation, you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication, and your symptoms are improving or never originated, you may end isolation.

For more information, see the recently updated CDC webpages on exposure and isolation.

State of Michigan Criteria for Oral Antiviral COVID-19 Treatment

On January 28, 2022 the state of Michigan released updated eligibility and prescribing criteria for oral antiviral medications (Paxlovid and Molnupiravir) intended for use as outpatient treatment for mild-to-moderate COVID-19 cases.

The information below regarding these requirements is subject to change based on regular updates to the state of Michigan's Priority Eligibility Criteria for COVID-19 Outpatient Therapy.

Eligibility
Paxlovid (intended for patients 12+ years of age) and Molnupiravir (intended for patients 18+ years of age and for whom alternative FDA approved treatments are not accessible or clinically appropriate) are available via an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). These are prescription-only medications intended for patients within the respective age bracket and who meet all of the following criteria:

  • Have positive results of direct COVID-19 viral testing.
  • Are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.
  • Meet the current Eligibility Criteria.

Prescribing Requirements 
Due to limited availability of these medications, prescribing requirements are reflected in the Eligibility Criteria to prioritize access for those at highest risk. These include provision of the Paxlovid Fact Sheet or Molnupiravir Fact Sheet to patients and caregivers prior to prescribing.

Supply
See below for examples of current access points for Paxlovid and Molnupiravir (availability is subject to change):

Paxlovid currently has limited availability through the following sites:

  • Selected Federally Qualified Health Centers and Tribal Health Centers.
  • Selected Meijer Pharmacies throughout Michigan.
  • Selected retail pharmacies in areas not served by Meijer (based on supply).

Molnupiravir currently has limited availability through the following sites:

  • All Meijer Pharmacies (based on supply).
  • Selected retail pharmacies in areas not served by Meijer (based on supply).

Both patients and providers can find additional guidance on these treatment options on the state of Michigan COVID-19 Therapeutics Information pages for Health Care Providers and for the Public.

Get Your Vaccine Now!

Many Answer Health physician practices, local health departments, health systems, and pharmacies are currently authorized to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to all individuals aged five years and older in the state of Michigan.

Vaccine supplies are increasing, and appointments are easier than ever to schedule. Please contact your Answer Health Primary Care office or use the Vaccinate West Michigan registration link below to schedule your appointment!

Vaccine Registration

Visit Vaccinate West Michigan for more information on vaccine distribution, safety, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 Testing

For physicians seeking options to implement testing capabilities within the practice, contact info@answerhealth.com and request more information on COVID-19 testing. If you are a patient of an Answer Health Doctor, contact your Primary Care office directly to learn about the testing options in your area.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Since the onset of the pandemic, Answer Health has been able to provide supplemental PPE at no cost to our member practices as a result of several donations and purchases funded by the Answer Health Foundation. The AH Foundation in coordination with AH Purchasing and our supply chain partners have made a significant impact on the ability to provide thousands of surgical masks, N95 respirators, gallons of hand sanitizer, face shields, and other PPE allocated items.

If you would like to contribute to the Answer Health Foundation, please send a check to: Answer Health Foundation, 333 Bridge Street NW, Suite 815, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.