When should I take Paxlovid?
- You must test positive for COVID-19 and have symptoms.
- Treatment must begin as soon as possible after testing positive and within 5 days of symptom onset.
- You also have certain medical conditions that put you at higher risk for severe disease (including being a current or former smoker, cancer, diabetes, obesity, or others) or are over age 65.
If you’re eligible for Paxlovid, you’ll be connected with a clinician for a video consultation within 30 minutes. The service is available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole and Portuguese.
Clinicians are available every day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST.
Telehealth overview
Who can use this telehealth service?
Telehealth is available for individuals 18 or older who are positive for COVID-19, experiencing symptoms, and currently living in Massachusetts. This service is not for medical emergencies or for individuals who are pregnant. If you are experiencing a medical emergency like having trouble breathing, please call 9-1-1.
Not everyone should take these pills
People with the following are not eligible for Paxlovid:
- No symptoms
- No risk factors
- Have had COVID-19 symptoms for more than 5 days
What do I need for the telehealth visit?
- A photo or PDF of your positive test result
- A list of medications and vitamins you’re taking
- If you have kidney disease, a copy of your lab results from the last 3 months. The dose of Paxlovid may need to be adjusted.
- During the video consult, your clinician will also check your ID. This will be for confidential health purposes only and will not be shared. There are a range of acceptable forms of ID including: Mass ID, driver’s license, work badge or permit, student ID, or community ID
Is this service free?
Yes, the telehealth service and optional overnight delivery is free, no matter your insurance status.
Need help?
Contact the Color Support Team at 844-352-6567 or treatments@color.com between 9 a.m.–8 p.m. EST for help with the telehealth service. Also, check out Color’s FAQ’s to learn more about this telehealth service.
Get vaccinated and boosted
This treatment is not a substitute for vaccination. Vaccination can prevent serious illness, including hospitalization and death. Learn more about getting vaccinated.
Frequently asked questions
Is insurance required?
Insurance is not required. You will not be asked to share your insurance information. This telehealth service is free.
How will the telehealth visit occur?
Your clinician will complete the consultation with you on a video call. If the information you provide indicates Paxlovid is right for you, you will be given a link for a video consultation with a clinician from the telehealth provider Wheel.
How quickly can I talk to a clinician?
Requesting the consultation should take about 5-10 minutes. If treatment is right for you, your clinician will join the call in 5–30 minutes to complete the evaluation (within standard business hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, 7 days a week)
Do I need special software for the consultation?
You can use any smartphone or computer that has video. No special software is required.
What if I miss my consultation?
A clinician will wait up to 10 minutes for you to join the video call. If the clinician cannot complete a video call with you, they will not be able to complete your evaluation. If you miss a consultation, please request another.
What languages are supported?
Consultations are currently available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole and Portuguese. If you indicate you speak Spanish, Haitian Creole or Portuguese when requesting a consultation, a medical interpreter will join your consultation. They may ask you the same questions you answered when you requested your consultation so that they can translate them into English for your clinician.
If my clinician prescribes Paxlovid, how will I receive it?
You may choose free home delivery through Color’s pharmacy partner or pharmacy pickup from your preferred pharmacy (dependent on supply). If you choose home delivery, prescriptions received before 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday will be sent via next-day air. If you are requesting a consultation on Saturday or Sunday, you may want to consider pharmacy pickup instead. Your treatment will work better the sooner you start it. You’ll be able to discuss pharmacy options with your clinician and may change your choice based on their guidance.
If I’ve chosen home delivery, how will I know when my medication has shipped?
You will receive an email from Color’s pharmacy partner, WellDyne, when your prescription ships. It will also include tracking information.
Where can I learn more about COVID-19 treatments?
Learn more about COVID-19 treatments at mass.gov/CovidTreatments.
What is Massachusetts’ quarantine & isolation guidance?
People with COVID-19 are required to self-isolate, whether you are vaccinated or not and regardless of if you take COVID-19 treatment. Self-isolation means separating yourself from others to keep germs from spreading. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care for at least 5 days after your symptoms began. If your symptoms are improving after 5 days, then you may go out with a mask. Everyone with COVID-19 should avoid people who are at high risk of severe disease for 10 days.
Wear a mask when around others, including in your household, for 10 days. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands frequently to help prevent spreading viruses. You may find more detailed isolation guidelines here.