Statement regarding Omicron Subvariants
11/21/22 Update: With the rapid increase in the circulation of certain SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants in the United States, California, and our geographical region, the SHC COVID-19 Outpatient Therapeutics Team has decided to implement the following changes to our monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies for the prophylaxis of COVID-19:
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis [Evusheld]
- The subvariants BA.4.6, BA.2.75.2, BA.5.2.6, BF.7, BQ.1, and BQ.1.1 are likely to be resistant to tixagevimab plus cilgavimab (Evusheld). Certain SARS-CoV-2 viral variants may not be neutralized by Evusheld and may not be effective at preventing COVID-19 caused by these variants.
- Effective 11/21/22, SHC will halt the scheduling of new outpatient Evusheld appointments and close the Evusheld provider referral RedCap form
- Effective 11/23/22, SHC will halt ALL administrations of Evusheld for inpatient and outpatient areas.
- Patients who are eligible to receive Evusheld as PrEP should be informed of the following recommendations as preventative measures:
- Receive a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine unless contraindicated due to a history of severe adverse reactions to a COVID-19 vaccine or any of its components.
- Continue to take precautions (e.g. masking in public indoor areas) to avoid exposure.
The COVID-19 Outpatient Therapeutics Team will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide updates. Our team will do our best to communicate information about these changes to patients. We ask for your assistance in informing your staff and patients. Thank you for your efforts in providing excellent care and evidence-based approaches to our patients.
Thank you,
The SHC COVID-19 Outpatient Therapeutics Team