Paxlovid Does Not Reduce Hospitalization in Vaccinated COVID Patients Despite Faster Recovery

Apr 24, 2026

Two major clinical trials co-led by St. Michael's Hospital and Oxford University found that Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir) does not reduce hospital admissions or deaths in vaccinated adults at higher risk of severe COVID-19, according to results published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The national trials examined the antiviral drug's effectiveness specifically in vaccinated populations considered at elevated risk for severe disease outcomes. While Paxlovid failed to demonstrate benefits in preventing hospitalization or mortality in this group, the trials did find that the medication helps vaccinated high-risk adults recover faster from COVID-19 infection. The findings suggest a more limited role for Paxlovid in vaccinated populations compared to its established benefits in unvaccinated patients.

Paxlovid's Limited Impact on Hospitalization and Death in Vaccinated Patients

▪Two national trials examined Paxlovid's effectiveness in vaccinated adults at higher risk of severe COVID-19.
▪Results about Paxlovid's impact on hospitalization and death in vaccinated COVID-19 patients were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
▪Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir) does not reduce hospital admissions in vaccinated adults at higher risk of severe COVID-19.

Paxlovid's Effect on Recovery Speed and Symptom Duration

▪Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir) helps vaccinated adults at higher risk of severe COVID-19 recover faster.

Perspective of St. Michael's Hospital and Oxford University researchers

▪The findings from the two national trials on Paxlovid were significant enough to warrant publication in the New England Journal of Medicine.
▪Paxlovid provides clinical benefit to vaccinated COVID-19 patients through faster recovery times despite not reducing hospitalization rates.