This Treatment Protects Immunocompromised People From COVID
When the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) got ready to recommend the new bivalent COVID booster vaccines (which most of us should be planning on getting , by the way), they also mentioned that more people should know about Evusheld, which could provide extra protection for people in immunocompromised age. 12 and above.
In immunocompromised people, the immune system does not always work the way it should . You may have a weakened immune system due to a health condition, or you may be taking medications that suppress your immune system due to conditions such as cancer or organ transplants.
For some immunosuppressed people, it is generally not safe to receive the COVID vaccine. For many others, vaccines are safe but do not provide the same protection as they do for people with strong immune systems. (That’s why immunocompromised people should get three doses instead of two when they first get the Pfizer or Moderna COVID vaccine.)
If you have not been able to get a COVID vaccine, or if you have received one but are in a group of people who are probably not as well protected, you can get Evusheld for an extra layer of protection.
What is Evusheld?
Evusheld is considered “pre-exposure prophylaxis” for COVID and is available for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has guidelines for Evucheld here . Evusheld is administered every 6 months.
Treatment consists of two injections of monoclonal antibodies, thixagevimab and cilgavimab. In other words, instead of having your body make its own antibodies, you are given ready-made antibodies. You should still get the COVID vaccine if you can.
Who can get Evusheld?
Evusheld is for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised or who cannot be fully vaccinated with one of the conventional COVID vaccines (for example, if you had an allergic reaction to your first dose or if you know you are allergic to a component of the vaccine) . vaccine). You must also be at least 12 years old and weigh at least 88 pounds.
Treatment cannot be given if you have just received a COVID vaccine (you must wait two weeks after your last dose) and you also cannot currently have COVID or be in quarantine due to a recent exposure.
According to the FDA , examples of conditions that are considered to cause moderate or severe immunosuppression in patients include:
- He is undergoing cancer treatment.
- Taking immunosuppressants in connection with organ transplantation.
- Transplantation of CAR-T cells or hematopoietic stem cells.
- Moderate to severe diseases that cause immunodeficiency.
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection,
- Being treated with high doses of corticosteroids or other drugs or biologics that weaken or alter the immune system, including chemotherapy drugs, TNF blockers, and agents that deplete B cells.
How to get Evusheld?
Evucheld is available by prescription only. According to the Department of Health and Human Services , the government has procured doses of Evucheld to give to eligible people, so you should be able to get it for free or at a very low cost.
You can use this locator map to find a clinic where Evucheld can be obtained. Don’t expect to enter; call ahead to make sure they have the treatment in stock and give them time to process the prescription.