Posted on: March 9, 2022
Adults at high risk of serious outcomes due to COVID-19 infection are benefitting from two new outpatient therapeutic options available at Island Health. 
The therapies available include Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir), an oral antiviral drug that can be taken at home, and sotrovimab, a monoclonal antibody administered by intravenous infusion in a clinic or hospital setting.
Right: RN Diana Reitsma prepares sotrovimab which is administered by intravenous infusion.
Both drugs have been licensed for use by Health Canada and have been shown to be very effective at reducing the risk of progression to more severe disease requiring hospitalization.
People who have COVID-19 symptoms and are either moderately or severely immunocompromised or are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated should seek testing. Testing by the third day of symptoms ensures the treatment window is not missed, as the treatments have to be given within five to seven days of symptom onset to be effective.
Last week the Province launched a new online assessment tool so that people can determine if they might benefit from one of the new anti-viral treatments. Island Health is also actively reviewing lab data from COVID-positive patients who are considered vulnerable or immunocompromised and is contacting them directly to assess their eligibility for one of these therapies.
“Paxlovid and sotrovimab treatments are not suitable for everyone and must be prescribed by a health-care provider who can assess interactions with other conditions or medications," said Dr. Eric Partlow, an Island Health Infectious Disease physician who is leading the therapies. “However, any high risk individual who tests positive for COVID can check the Island Health COVID therapeutics website to see if they meet criteria, then complete the Province's online assessment tool or call Service BC at 1-888-268-4319 to arrange further screening."