Most people can treat mild symptoms of COVID-19 at home with over-the-counter medicine, however there are several COVID-19 treatments that may be prescribed to you by a health care provider based on your symptoms and risk factors. While COVID-19 treatments are not a substitute for the COVID-19 vaccine, they are an option to treat certain high-risk people who are already sick. The vaccine remains the best option to train your immune system and prevent severe illness. To learn more, visit the California Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 Treatment and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Treatments Your Healthcare Provider Might Recommend if You Are Sick.
No-cost telehealth appointments and treatment through Sesame
You can make a no-cost telehealth appointment that may enable you to get no-cost COVID-19 treatment through Sesame Care. This program is free and Sesame Care doctors are trained in supporting individuals with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day of the week. Doctors are available in English, Spanish and 12 other languages. In addition, a language line is available for translation in dozens of other languages.
Call (833) 686-5051 or visit sesamecare.com/covidca for your no-cost appointment, if you have COVID-19 symptoms OR have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Appointments occur via phone or video and no new software is required. If appropriate, the doctor will send a prescription for the patient to a nearby pharmacy or other pharmacy of the patient’s choice. Sesame Care follows up with the patient to ensure they were able to get the medication and are taking it as directed. Please note: Free appointments are sponsored by CDPH and ONLY available via the provided phone number or link.
Free COVID-19 treatment from the Jewish Community Free Clinic
If you are experiencing COVID symptoms and do not have a medical provider or permanent medical home, the Jewish Community Free Clinic can provide you with a self-test for you to take at your home, or they can refer you to a testing center. Then, if you test positive, they can provide you with a free telehealth visit with a medical provider to discuss your eligibility for COVID medication. If you are eligible and interested in taking the medication, the Jewish Community Free Clinic can prescribe the medication for you — which you can pick up at a pharmacy at no cost to you. Call for an appointment at (707) 585-7780.
Treatment resources and Therapeutic Warmline for health care providers
Health care providers can access treatment resources and information by visiting CDPH’s COVID-19 Treatments.
Providers can also receive free and confidential consultation on COVID-19 testing and treatment, a real-time resource available to all California health care providers managed by the UC San Francisco National Clinician Consultation Center. In addition to testing and treatment information, health care providers can access a communications toolkit and information on how individuals can find treatment. Call the COVID-19 Therapeutics Warmline at (866) 268-4322.