Kroger Health to increase COVID-19 treatment option access
Kroger Health, the healthcare division of Kroger, is urging Americans to remain diligent in seeking proper testing and care for COVID-19. In addition to administering 11 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to date, the company said that it is supporting the Biden-Harris Administration's 'test to treat' initiative for patients exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 at its 225 The Little Clinic locations in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio and Virginia.
Following a positive test, and if otherwise clinically appropriate, at The Little Clinic, patients will receive their antiviral prescription which may be filled at a Kroger Family pharmacy. Patients may schedule an appointment here and select, COVID Viral Test (Test Active Infection) as the reason for their appointment.
[Read more: Kroger reports strong Q4, fiscal year results]
'Test to Treat' also is available across all 50 states via telehealth services provided by The Little Clinic for those patients with transportation or other access barriers. Patients exhibiting symptoms or concerned with exposure to the COVID-19 virus may use any of the 13 FDA-authorized at-home tests available to participate in an observed self-test with a medical professional, the company said.
[Read more: President Biden unveils 'test to treat' COVID-19 initiative]
Following a positive test, and if otherwise clinically appropriate, The Little Clinic will provide an antiviral prescription or if negative the patient will be provided an appropriate treatment plan according to diagnosis. Patients may schedule a telehealth appointment by visiting here and selecting 'COVID Virtual Visit' from the scheduler. The patient must acquire one of the 13 available home test kits in advance of their appointment with most test kits available for online order and delivery.
COVID-19 therapeutics are available at all Kroger Family of Pharmacies, and Kroger Health encourages people to take advantage of these treatments as they may reduce the severity of symptoms and risk of death from infection.
"We understand Americans are tired of this virus and its impact on our lives,” said Marc Watkins, Kroger's chief medical officer. “We are all eager to move forward. However, we owe it to our families, friends, and communities to get tested if symptomatic and seek treatment when appropriate. As always, receiving the manufacturer-recommended doses required for full vaccination and booster doses recommended by age and condition remain our most effective tools in controlling the spread of the disease."
The U.S. COVID-19 Therapeutic Locator updates regularly when locations have product on site.