COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody & Anti-Viral Medication
28-1-2022
Windsor Regional Hospital has been approved to provide COVID-19 medications of monoclonal antibody and anti-viral medication to treat COVID-19 for COVID-19 positive patients who meet very specific criteria established by the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table.
There is currently a limited supply of both medications.
This information has been shared with the Essex County Medical Society and all of the Chiefs of Staff of the Erie St Clair Hospitals to share with their clinical staff.
Paxlovid is a pill form anti-viral treatment for high-risk patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms, while Sotrovimab is an antibody infusion (IV) treatment for COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms. Both are among the treatments that have been approved by Health Canada.
Eligibility criteria for Monoclonal Antibody Treatment or Antiviral Treatment for COVID-19.
If you fall under any of the categories below you may qualify for either Monoclonal Antibody Treatment or Antiviral Treatment for COVID-19:
- are at higher risk of severe illness including:
- immunocompromised individuals aged 18 and over regardless of vaccine status
- unvaccinated individuals aged 60 and over
- unvaccinated First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals aged 50 and over
- unvaccinated individuals aged 50 and over with one or more risk factors
PAXLOVID ANTI-VIRAL TREATMENT
Treatment with Paxlovid must begin within five days of symptom onset to be effective. A full course of treatment is three pills twice daily for five days in a row.
Paxlovid is NOT a replacement for vaccination. This anti-viral treatment is intended for those who are at higher risk of severe outcomes that may lead to hospitalization.
Before you are approved for Antiviral treatment:
- An appropriate health care provider, often with a pharmacist, will determine if you qualify for either Monoclonal Antibody Treatment or Antiviral Treatment.
- If you are deemed to qualify for oral Antiviral treatment with Paxlovid, a health care provider and pharmacist will review your current medications and determine if any changes to your other medications is necessary to safely take Paxlovid.
- You may require additional lab work to review liver and kidney function prior to being approved for treatment.
SOTROVIMAB MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY THERAPY
Sotrovimab, a monoclonal antibody therapy, is recommended to be administered on an outpatient basis to prevent hospitalizations in very select populations.
Eligibility for patients is determined by clinicians following evidence-based guidelines developed by Ontario’s COVID-19 Science Advisory Table.
NOT A REPLACEMENT FOR VACCINATIONS SO GET VACCINATED
WRH strongly encourages our community to get fully vaccinated including getting a third dose/booster against COVID-19 as soon as possible to protect yourself, your loved ones, and our communities from COVID-19. Please go to wevax.ca to book your appointment today or call 226-773-2200.
If you believe you qualify for any of the above therapies, you should book an appointment at WRH Clinical Assessment Center Ouellette Campus and bring a list of your medications and any important medical conditions to share with health care providers. Book an appointment online here. You can also book an appointment by calling 519-973-4443. Phones are answered Monday - Friday, between 8 am and 4 pm.
Please continue to visit covid-19.ontario.ca or www.wrh.on.ca for regular updates on COVID-19.
Media Release