COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment Guidelines

Updated 2026-2027 respiratory virus guidance and vaccination protocols establish new eligibility tiers for Moderna, Pfizer, and Sanofi vaccines. While federal regulators approved the updated shots in August 2026 to target currently circulating variants, community school clinics across the state have opened to administer both flu and COVID-19 doses without out-out-pocket costs.

Vaccine Eligibility Varies by Manufacturer and Age Group

Everyone age 6 months or older can receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine, though specific manufacturer approvals vary by age group. Moderna’s updated vaccine is authorized for individuals age 6 months and older, Pfizer’s version covers those age 5 years and older, and the Sanofi Novavax vaccine is designated for people age 12 years and older. Residents can access these immunizations at usual healthcare locations such as doctors’ offices and pharmacies, or through community clinics held at schools during late afternoons and evenings.

The school clinics are open to individuals age 3 or older, requiring pre-registration at schoolflu.com to secure a time slot, though limited walk-ins are accepted as resources allow. These clinics require no insurance and involve no out-of-pocket costs. Participants can safely receive both the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine during the same visit. For transportation to these immunization sites, residents can utilize RIPTA’s Trip Planner or access Non-Emergency Medical Transport Services provided by MTM for individuals enrolled in Medicaid or older than age 60.

Testing Protocols and Authorized Treatment Options

Guidelines emphasize testing for COVID-19 immediately upon experiencing symptoms or following a known exposure, even for individuals who maintain up-to-date vaccination status and experience only mild symptoms. Over-the-counter self-tests provide results within 15 to 30 minutes, while primary care providers and pharmacies also offer laboratory-ordered diagnostics. For individuals testing positive, prompt medical evaluation is advised to determine eligibility for authorized treatments designed to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and Long COVID.

Three primary treatments are authorized for mild to moderate COVID-19 cases, with Paxlovid standing as the recommended oral antiviral. When Paxlovid is unsuitable, healthcare professionals may prescribe Remdesivir, an intravenous antiviral administered over three consecutive days at a healthcare facility for eligible patients age 28 days or older weighing at least 3 pounds. Molnupiravir serves as an alternative oral antiviral option. To minimize virus transmission during prescription pickup, health officials advise utilizing drive-thru lanes, delivery services, or designated curbside pickup options rather than entering retail stores.