Study Finds Paxlovid Offers Limited Benefits for Vaccinated Seniors

New research shows the antiviral drug does not significantly reduce COVID-19 hospitalizations or mortality in vaccinated adults over 70.

A study of 1.6 million older adults in Ontario found no significant reduction in COVID-19 hospitalizations or deaths among vaccinated seniors who took Paxlovid.
The research highlights that Paxlovid's effectiveness in vaccinated seniors is far lower than previously reported for unvaccinated populations in earlier trials.
Pfizer's initial clinical trials in 2022 showed an 89% reduction in severe outcomes, but those trials focused on unvaccinated, middle-aged adults, a different demographic from today’s population.
The study suggests that Paxlovid's ability to prevent hospitalizations in vaccinated seniors is about four times weaker than earlier estimates, requiring 77 prescriptions to prevent one hospitalization.
Researchers call for further studies to better understand Paxlovid's role in specific high-risk groups, such as frail or immunocompromised individuals.