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Know if you have a high-risk factor for severe COVID-19.
Be ready with a plan. And, if you test positive, act fast.

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There are many factors that can put you at high risk for severe COVID-19.Some may surprise you.Learn about their stories
Some high-risk factors can increase your chances of getting very sick from COVID-19.1 That's why setting a plan now and acting fast if you do test positive is important.1,2
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Almost 3 in 5 adult Americans are at high risk of becoming very sick from COVID-19.3 Are you one of them?

What’s your risk?
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Plan

Mapping out a plan with your healthcare provider before COVID-19 strikes is one of the most important steps you can take to help prevent serious illness.1

Make a plan
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Tested positive? It's time for action! Speak with your healthcare provider about whether a prescription for an authorized oral treatment is right for you.

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Being at high risk for severe COVID-19 is more common than you think. In fact, nearly 200 million American adults have at least one risk factor that places them at high risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.3 And for people who are at high risk, symptoms that begin mild can quickly become severe.4 Unfortunately, many don't consider themselves at high risk or don't think serious illness or hospitalization could happen to them.5

Having diabetes, being aged 50+, or having chronic lung conditions like asthma are just some high-risk factors that can lead to severe illness, and even hospitalization, from a COVID-19 infection. Other risk factors, like being a former smoker, having depression, or being overweight, may surprise you.6

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, having one or more of the following factors puts you at high risk of getting severe COVID-196:
  • Age 50 years or older
  • Cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Chronic lung disease (including moderate-to-severe asthma, bronchiectasis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [including emphysema and chronic bronchitis], interstitial lung disease, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension)
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Dementia or other neurological conditions
  • Diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
  • Disabilities (including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], cerebral palsy, birth defects, intellectual and developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, spinal cord injuries, Down syndrome)
  • Heart conditions
  • HIV infection
  • Immunocompromised condition or weakened immune system
  • Mental health conditions (mood disorders including depression; schizophrenia spectrum disorders)
  • Overweight or having obesity
  • Physical inactivity
  • Pregnant or recently pregnant (for at least 42 days following end of pregnancy)
  • Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
  • Smoking, current or former
  • Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
  • Stroke or cerebrovascular disease
  • Substance use disorders (such as alcohol, opioid, or cocaine use disorder)
  • Tuberculosis

In addition to certain medical conditions, some people are at increased risk of getting very sick or dying from COVID-19 because of where they live or work, or because they can’t get healthcare. This includes many people from racial and ethnic minority groups, and people with disabilities.

The list above does not include all possible conditions that may put you at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19. If you have questions about a condition not included on this list, talk to your healthcare provider.

Visit the CDC website for the latest information and the full list of high-risk factors.

Unsure whether you are at high risk for severe COVID-19?

In addition to speaking with your healthcare provider for confirmation, fill out this easy-to-use questionnaire to find out if you may be at high risk for COVID-19 becoming severe, and assess if an authorized oral treatment might be right for you.

Assess your riskLoading

As soon as you know that you or a loved one are at high risk of becoming very sick from COVID-19, talk to your healthcare provider about steps you can take in case of an infection. An action plan is key in the event of a positive COVID-19 test. When you’re prepared, you can act fast.

First, make sure your vaccinations are up to date, in accordance with CDC guidelines. Visit vaccines.gov to schedule an appointment. The risk of hospitalization is greater in those that are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations.7

You know your health situation best and that will inform how you make a personalized list of to-dos. If you test positive for COVID-19, your plan will remind you of the steps to take right away. Some starter suggestions are listed below that you may find helpful.

  • Know how to get in touch with people you've been in contact with, who may have been exposed to the virus (SARS-CoV-2).
  • Familiarize yourself with CDC guidelines for isolation and know where you would stay, if needed, ahead of time.
  • Make sure you have enough masks on hand.
  • Also have enough at-home COVID-19 test kits and know how to get more.
  • Set a plan with loved ones so everyone knows what steps to take if anyone tests positive.
  • Keep an up-to-date list of any medications you take, including vitamins and supplements, and be ready to share with your healthcare provider.
  • Know how to quickly reach your healthcare provider should you test positive and ask whether a prescription for an authorized oral treatment might be right for you. Share that information with a loved one in case they need to help you make contact.
  • Find a close and convenient location to get any necessary prescriptions, if appropriate.
  • Have someone you can turn to who can pick up items you may need during the quarantine period.

And lastly, encourage loved ones to make their own COVID-19 plan. Because nothing is more important than your family’s health.

Let’s get your plan in order

This form can act as a handy checklist if you test positive for COVID-19. Fill it out now and, if you test positive, use it to discuss with your healthcare provider whether a prescription for an authorized COVID-19 oral treatment is right for you.

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Testing positive for COVID-19 can be overwhelming. Speak with your healthcare provider about whether a prescription for an authorized oral treatment is right for you.

You’re already aware of whether you have any high-risk factors and you’ve prepared for this moment. You’re ready to act right away.

Your healthcare provider is the go-to person to work with in this situation. They will consider your high-risk factor(s), along with your medical history and current medications, in determining whether an authorized oral treatment is right for you. Remember, being at high risk means timing is everything: Since mild symptoms can quickly become severe, it's important to act by starting an authorized oral treatment, if prescribed, within days of testing positive.2

It’s understandable if you feel concerned, scared, or upset when you get a positive test. But having your pre-planned, personalized action plan is a great way to push through that difficult time. Act decisively to help keep you and your loved ones safe.

Stick to the strategy that you created with your healthcare provider to help reduce the chance of serious illness and hospitalization from COVID-19.1

COVID-19 Test and Treatment Locator

There are convenient locations across the U.S. where you can be tested and prescribed treatment for COVID-19, if determined by a healthcare provider to be appropriate for you.

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Stories

Different people with different high-risk factors share similar COVID-19 concerns.

When your risk is high, the stakes are too. Here’s what a few people have to say about COVID-19.

“Having COVID-19 was a scary experience. Having asthma puts me at high risk for getting very sick from it. But now I’m ready to act quickly if COVID-19 strikes again. If I ever have symptoms – even if they’re mild – I know to get tested quickly and make the call to my doctor right away if my test is positive.”—P!NK

P!NK is a Grammy Award®-winning singer, gifted songwriter and trailblazing artist. P!NK is also deeply passionate about human rights and healthy living.

“Learning that my weight puts me at high risk for severe disease from COVID-19 was illuminating and scary, but I feel empowered having this knowledge. Now I know, even if I have symptoms that seem mild, not to wait and reach out to my doctor immediately if I test positive. And I’m encouraging my friends and family to know their risk and make a plan too, so we’re all ready to go.”—Questlove

Questlove is an Academy Award®-winning filmmaker, drummer, DJ, producer, director, culinary entrepreneur, New York Times best-selling author, and member of The Roots.

“Having diabetes puts me at high risk for getting seriously ill from COVID-19. My health is so important to me, so making a plan is a no-brainer. Now I know what to do if I do test positive for COVID-19 and I will be ready to act fast.”—Jean Smart

Jean Smart is an award-winning television, theater, and film actress.

“In my journey living with depression, I’ve learned a lot about how it can impact my overall health. But I was surprised to find out that depression puts me at high risk for severe COVID-19. It’s important to know if you may have a high-risk factor and be ready to act should you test positive.”—Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps is a dad, husband, and one of the most world-renowned, decorated athletes of all time. He is a mental health advocate who inspires others to share their stories and prioritize their health.

“Having COVID-19 was a scary experience. Having asthma puts me at high risk for getting very sick from it. But now I’m ready to act quickly if COVID-19 strikes again. If I ever have symptoms – even if they’re mild – I know to get tested quickly and make the call to my doctor right away if my test is positive.”

Pink is a Grammy award-winning singer, gifted songwriter, and trailblazing artist. Pink is also deeply passionate about human rights and healthy living.

“Learning my weight puts me at high risk for severe disease from COVID-19 was illuminating and scary, but I feel empowered having this knowledge. Now I know, even if I have symptoms that seem mild, not to wait and reach out to my doctor immediately if I test positive. And I’m encouraging my friends and family to know their risk and make a plan too, so we’re all ready to go.”

Questlove is an Academy Award-winning filmmaker, drummer, DJ, producer, director, culinary entrepreneur, New York Times best-selling author, and member of The Roots.

“Having diabetes puts me at high risk for getting seriously ill from COVID-19. My health is so important to me, so making a plan is a no-brainer. It’s simple. Know, plan, go.”

Jean Smart is an award-winning television, theater, and film actress.

“In my journey living with depression, I’ve learned a lot about how it can impact my overall health. But I was surprised to find out that depression puts me at high risk for severe COVID-19. It’s important to know if you may have a high-risk factor and be ready to act should you test positive.”

Michael Phelps is a dad, husband, and the most successful and decorated Olympian of all time. He is also a mental health advocate who inspires others to share their stories and prioritize their health.

Know Plan Go Resources  
Schedule a vaccine appointment
Learn more
High-risk factors that can lead to severe COVID-19
Learn more
Where to find testing and treatment
Learn more
Telehealth Resources

If you do not have a healthcare provider or your healthcare provider is not available, you may be able to connect with one through telehealth services. You can visit one of the following sites to connect with a healthcare provider.

Visit website Visit website Visit website

Pfizer does not own or operate any of these telehealth platforms or the services they or their providers may furnish, and Pfizer accepts no responsibility or liability for them.

The above links are provided as a resource to our visitors and do not imply an endorsement or recommendation of a particular telehealth provider by Pfizer nor an endorsement of any Pfizer product by a company, provider, or platform.

Providers or telehealth companies do not pay a fee to Pfizer for inclusion on this website.

If these telehealth platforms match users with providers, the selection of a particular provider is determined by the criteria set by the platform and/or provider, not Pfizer. All treatment decisions are at the sole discretion of the provider based on the patient’s individual needs and risk-benefit profile.

References: 1 Factors that affect your risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/risks-getting-very-sick.html. Updated Feb. 10, 2023. Accessed March 10, 2023. 2 Li HL, Cheung, BM. The proportion of adult Americans at risk of severe COVID-19 illness. J Gen Intern Med. (2020);36(1):259–261. doi.org/10.1007/s11606-020-06325-9. 3 Clinical care quick reference for COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-care-quick-reference.html. Updated March 16, 2022. Accessed January 3, 2023. 4 Pfizer Research: US Consumer ATU Report Data & Analysis. January 2023. 5 People with certain medical conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. Updated February 10, 2023. Accessed March 10, 2023. 6 Havers FP, Pham H, Taylor CA, et al. COVID-19-associated hospitalizations among vaccinated and unvaccinated adults 18 years or older in 13 US states, January 2021 to April 2022. JAMA Intern Med. 2022;182(10):1071–1081. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2022.4299.HomeLoadingKnowLoadingPlanLoadingGoLoadingStoriesLoadingResourcesLoading

This site is intended for U.S. residents. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider.

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