Drugs In Short Supply As China Hunkers Down For COVID Surge

Black Market Generic Paxlovid Sells Out

As citizens in China grapple with the virtual end of pandemic restrictions and rush for medicines from cold remedies to traditional options, even some prescription antivirals such as Paxlovid are appearing online, while cheaper but unauthorized Indian generic versions have quickly sold out. Meanwhile, a renewed vaccination effort is targeting high-risk individuals and second booster shots as the country faces a huge surge in cases.

Beijing empty street
compared with these Beijing streets in early 2020, a COVID surge is now seeing many stay home • Source: Shutterstock

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