Here we summarise the key findings and recommendations from the UK COVID-19 inquiry and the report ‘Beyond the pandemic: Addressing disparities in timely access to COVID-19 therapeutics Policy Report (July 2025)*.  

*This report was commissioned and wholly funded by Pfizer but independently authored by Kintiga. It has been reviewed by Pfizer to ensure ABPI Code compliance. 

  • Barriers to access: Many high-risk patients have struggled to get treatment quickly enough. Evidence from the UK COVID-19 Inquiry shows that clinically vulnerable and immunosuppressed people struggled to access COVID-19 therapeutics within the vital five-day treatment window. Delays or unclear pathways meant many missed out on potentially life-saving antivirals. 
  • Therapeutic programme was under-prioritised programme: COVID-19 treatments do not receive the same attention or investment as vaccines, leaving immunosuppressed people behind. The report found that the COVID-19 therapeutics programme received less funding, slower progress, and more bureaucracy, leaving immunosuppressed individuals behind. Unlike vaccination, there was no early plan for patients with weakened immune systems, despite their heightened vulnerability. 
  • Inconsistent services causing inequality to access: Not all areas in England provide access through COVID Medicines Delivery Units (CMDUs). Where CMDUs are missing, uptake of treatment is much lower. In some areas, lack of CMDUs correlated with a much lower antiviral therapy uptake. 
  • Poor communication: Almost a quarter of NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) failed to publish clear information on who is eligible and how to access treatment. This has left many patients unaware of how they can get access to rapid antiviral treatment.  
  • Delays put patients at risk: Families have reported that accessing treatment was difficult — either they were too ill to chase access, access delays caused them to be outside the treatment window, or they deemed not ill enough. Antivirals need to be delivered as quickly as possible after a positive test — ideally at home. 
  • Urgent need for faster delivery of antivirals: Clinically vulnerable families highlighted that antivirals should be delivered much more quickly after a positive test. Swift home delivery could prevent deterioration and hospitalisation. 
  • There are regional disparities in care: Some areas, such as North Central London, consistently achieved high uptake of treatments. Others, like Greater Manchester and parts of the Midlands, ranked in the lowest quintile for antiviral prescribing. This means immunosuppressed patients’ chances of accessing treatment depended heavily on where they lived. 

Recommendations from the report to protect vulnerable groups 

Ring-fenced funding for COVID-19 therapeutics to prevent hospitalisation in high-risk groups. 

National awareness campaigns so patients know they are eligible for free tests and treatments. 

Streamlined access pathways via ICBs and consideration of faster at-home delivery of antivirals. 

Better data monitoring to track disparities and hold services accountable.