Updated on: May 24, 2023
Multiple Outpatient COVID-19 therapies are now available for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in patients who are at high risk for progression to hospitalization and severe disease. Island Health has established a virtual Outpatient COVID19 Therapeutics Clinic (OCTC) for the evaluation of patients who meet criteria for intravenous therapy. If prescribed, patients are able to be treated at their nearest infusion site; there are eight sites across the Island.
To read more about treatment options and eligibility click (HERE)
- Patient Eligibility
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To meet criteria patients must have a positive Covid test, they must present within 7 days of symptom onset, and they need to be in one of the following high risk Tier one populations to qualify for therapy.
1. Patients identified as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable Group 1 and Group 2 (CEV 1 and CEV 2), regardless of vaccine status or previous infection. They are considered unlikely to respond to vaccination. (Treatment may be offered despite >7 days of symptom onset based on clinical judgement)
a. Active treatment for solid tumor or hematological malignancies
b. Having received a solid organ transplant treated with immunosuppression
c. Receiving CAR-T cell therapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplant in the last 2 yrs,
d. Having a moderate to severe primary immunodeficiency
e. Having advanced untreated HIV or AIDS
f. Active receipt of anti-B cell therapies (e.g. rituximab, ocrelizumab, obinutuzumab), high-dose systemic steroids (=20mg prednisone equivalent daily for at least 14 days), alkylating agents (e.g. cyclophosphamide, cisplatin), antimetabolites (e.g. methotrexate, 5-FU) or anti-TNF agents (e.g. infliximab, adalimumab).
g. Those with ESRD on dialysis
2. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals identified as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable Group 3 (CEV3). (less than 2 doses of vaccine or 2 doses of non-mRNA vaccine)
a. This includes a heterogeneous group of disorders including patients with severe respiratory conditions, rare blood disorders and hematologic diseases and cancers,, splenectomy, metabolic disorders, significant developmental disabilities, and milder immune suppression.
b. Pregnancy
c. Diabetes requiring insulin therapy
3. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals aged ≥70 years with one or more chronic condition/co-morbidity (e.g. obesity, non-insulin dependent diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, renal dysfunction) (Many chronic conditions or comorbidities can be considered; consult a clinician for guidance as this list is not exhaustive)
4. Unvaccinated (and previously uninfected) or partially vaccinated individuals ≥ 60 years with three or more chronic conditions/co-morbidities
5. Unvaccinated (Previously uninfected) or partially vaccinated aboriginal individuals ≥ 60 years.
Referral: Any clinician can refer eligible patients to the Outpatient COVID Therapeutics Clinic (OCTC) for consideration of intravenous therapy using the OCTC referral form.
If eligible, they will be booked for an ID consult; if ineligible for consult it will be returned to the referring MD office within 48 hours. Patients that proceed on to IV therapy will be booked for infusion at their nearest available site by the OCTC clinic.
As a reminder, this clinic is not for general COVID19 advice or for the prescribing of Paxlovid.
If you need to contact the OCTC:
Phone: 250-737-2030 ext 44685; fax: 250-370-8753.
Phone calls are answered 7 days a week from 0800-1600.
Physician consults are booked 5 days a week (excluding stats).
For questions regarding inpatients with COVID-19, please consult the ID doctor on call in your geography. See on call scheduling for availability.
For more information on COVID-19 Therapeutic Clinics, please visit: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/outpatient-covid-19-therapeutics-clinic
A message from Dr Kelsey Kozoriz, Medical Lead OCTC clinic, Island Health