Ontario Health announces eligibility criteria and how to access Evusheld

Ontario Health has issued a reference document on Evusheld (tixagevimab and cilgavimab) for Ontario healthcare providers. Evusheld is a combination of two long-acting anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein monoclonal antibodies. It is indicated for the pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 in adults and adolescents (≥ 12 years of age, weighing ≥ 40 kg). Evusheld is intended for individuals who have NOT had a known recent exposure to an individual infected with COVID-19 and are immunocompromised and unlikely to mount an adequate immune response to vaccination, or for individuals in whom COVID-19 vaccination is not recommended. The goal of Evusheld treatment is to reduce symptomatic illness for individuals who are at high risk of COVID-19 infection. The drug combination is not a substitute for vaccination in individuals for whom COVID-19 vaccination is recommended. Evusheld is administered as two separate intramuscular (gluteal) injections given concurrently. It is expected to offer protection against symptomatic COVID-19 infection for six months or longer. Read: Moderna vaccine may induce stronger immune response than Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in immunosuppressed patients In Ontario, Evusheld is currently available only to select immunocompromised patients: solid organ transplant recipients, stem cell transplant recipients, CAR-T cell therapy recipients, and other hematologic cancer patients undergoing treatment. To be considered for Evusheld therapy, patients must meet the following criteria: ≥ 12 years of age, weigh ≥ 40 kg, not have a current COVID-19 infection, and not have a recent COVID-19 exposure (defined as contact with a confirmed case and being within the timeframe to develop COVID-19 from that exposure, e.g., 8 days). Two tables in the Ontario Health document summarize how malignant hematology patients (adults and children ≥ 12 years of age) and solid organ transplant patients (≥ 12 years of age) should be prioritized for Evusheld. A total of 300 mg of Evusheld is administered as two separate intramuscular (IM) injections (150 mg tixagevimab and 150 mg cilgavimab) at different injection sites, preferably one in each of the gluteal muscles. The Ontario Health document reviews Evusheld efficacy and limitations to the available evidence, as well as adverse effects, drug interactions, contraindications and precautions. In Ontario, Evusheld will be available to eligible patients through select clinics, including cancer centres and transplant sites. Supplies of Evusheld will be managed by the hospitals where these clinics are located. Clinics may work with partners, including primary care providers or community infusion/nursing care clinics, to support care delivery close to home. The document includes an appendix listing the Ontario Health regional contacts who can answer questions about access to Evusheld. Read: Sudden cardiac death and intercourse Healthcare providers are encouraged to proactively communicate with priority patients about Evusheld, to help to ensure that they receive this preventive antibody therapy before they get ill. Reference 1. Ontario Health. Information about Evusheld (tixagevimab and cilgavimab). Reference for health care providers who may be prescribing or administering Evusheld. Last updated: May 9, 2022. (accessed May 19, 2022).

Ontario Health announces eligibility criteria and how to access Evusheld

Register for free access or login.

Related Topics