it's supposed to be taken at home by a person infected with covid before they get sick enough to be hospitalized from the disease. but health officials are stressing that this antiviral should not be a substitute to getting vaccinated. today, the fda authorizing the first pill to treat covid-19. made by pfizer, it will be available by prescription for adults and high-risk individuals age 12 or older who have mild to moderate symptoms. but a high risk of hospitalization or death. pfizer's ceo says they stand ready to begin delivery in the u.s. immediately. >> as quickly as pfizer gets the pills manufactured and delivered, we will immediately provide them to states and jurisdictions for distribution. >> reporter: the long testing lines across the country have already begun amidst the holiday rush. in atlanta, frustrations are running high. >> like an hour and a half, the line was stretched all the way back. >> we are on almost hour three.