The state of Michigan reported that 1,842 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed statewide March 3 and 4, with an average of 921 cases per day. Out of 68 recorded COVID-19-related deaths for the two days, 54 were identified during a Vital Records review. Adults in the hospital March 4 with confirmed cases of COVID-19 numbered 865, along with 27 children. This is a significant drop from early January, when more than 4,000 Michiganders were hospitalized with the disease.
The MHA continues to keep members apprised of pandemic-related developments affecting hospitals through email updates and the MHA Coronavirus webpage. Important updates are outlined below.
Webinar Recap: Navigating Paxlovid and Drug-Drug Interactions
The MHA recently hosted a webinar in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Michigan Medicine to provide information regarding Pfizer’s Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir tablets and ritonavir tablets, co-packaged for oral use) and drug-drug interactions. Paxlovid has been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and children (12 years of age and older, weighing at least 88 pounds). Paxlovid is available by prescription only and should be initiated as soon as possible after diagnosis of COVID-19 and within five days of symptom onset. A Paxlovid drug-drug interaction summary will be updated by Michigan Medicine as more information becomes available.
The MDHHS confirmed Paxlovid is available at all Meijer pharmacies and encouraged providers to prescribe Paxlovid to eligible patients as soon as possible. Meijer pharmacies were selected due to market coverage and the ability to conduct home deliveries for patients unable to travel. As relative supply of oral antivirals increases and demand remains low, the MDHHS anticipates expanding to additional dispensing sites soon. Facilities interested in making this available through outpatient pharmacies should check with the MDHHS. Members with questions regarding Paxlovid drug-drug interactions should contact Nicholas Dillman, PharmD, at Michigan Medicine. Other questions can be directed to Renée Smiddy at the MHA.
Additional information on the COVID-19 pandemic is available to members on the MHA Community Site and the MHA COVID-19 webpage. Questions on COVID-19 and infectious disease response strategies may be directed to the MDHHS Community Health Emergency Coordination Center (CHECC).