COVID-19 TREATMENTS AVAILABLE FOR HIGH-RISK INDIVIDUALS
Three treatments are currently available to help prevent the development of severe symptoms in people who are at high risk for being hospitalized or dying from COVID-19. To see if you're eligible for these COVID-19 treatments, use the risk score calculator.
Treatments include:
- monoclonal antibody treatment (sotrovimab),
- antiviral infusion (remdesivir), and
- antiviral pill (Paxlovid).
These treatments have shown to be effective against the COVID-19 Omicron variant. These treatments are not a substitute for COVID-19 vaccines, which are the best protection against the virus.
At this time, these medications are in short supply across the country. Due to the limited availability, you may not be able to get an appointment or prescription for treatment even if you qualify.
Treatment Details
Monoclonal Antibody Treatment: Sotromivab
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the body’s immune system to fight off COVID-19 infection. Sotrovimab is given by intravenous (IV) infusion. IV infusions deliver medication to your bloodstream through a soft, flexible tube placed inside a vein in your hand or arm. This treatment is performed in an outpatient setting, typically at an infusion center.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for monoclonal antibodies, you must meet all of the following criteria.
- You test positive for SARS-CoV-2 (virus that causes COVID-19).
- You currently have COVID-19 symptoms that began within the last seven days.
- You are not newly on oxygen or on an increased oxygen supply.
- You are not hospitalized.
- You are at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19 due to your age and certain medical conditions, including being severely immunocompromised.
Pregnant people who are not vaccinated and have high-risk conditions may also qualify for monoclonal antibody treatment.
Antiviral infusion: Remdesivir
Remdesivir is given as a three-day intravenous (IV) infusion in an outpatient setting. This medication stops the virus from multiplying inside your body.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Remdesivir, you must meet all of the following criteria.
- You test positive for SARS-CoV-2 (virus that causes COVID-19).
- You currently have COVID-19 symptoms that began within the last seven days.
- You are not newly on oxygen or on an increased oxygen supply.
- You are not hospitalized.
- You are at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19 due to your age and certain medical conditions, including being severely immunocompromised.
Pregnant people who are not vaccinated and have high-risk conditions may also qualify for remdesivir.
Antiviral Pill: Paxlovid
This antiviral pill stops the virus from multiplying inside your body. Paxlovid is available by prescription only.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Paxlovid, you must meet all of the following criteria.
- You test positive for SARS-CoV-2 (virus that causes COVID-19).
- You currently have COVID-19 symptoms that began within the last five days.
- You are not newly on oxygen or on an increased oxygen supply.
- You are not hospitalized.
- You are at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19 due to your age and certain medical conditions, including being severely immunocompromised.
Pregnant people who are not vaccinated and have high-risk conditions may also qualify for monoclonal antibody treatment.
Paxlovid Side Effects
Paxlovid interacts with multiple medications, which may lead to serious or life-threatening reactions. Before you are given a prescription for Paxlovid, you will need to be screened by your provider to ensure this treatment is safe for you. Many people will need to have their kidneys checked to see if they are eligible for treatment.
Getting Screened for Outpatient COVID-19 Treatment
Treatments are only for people at highest risk for hospitalization from COVID-19. All treatment options are subject to availability.
To see if you qualify for COVID-19 treatment, use the risk score calculator. Your responses will be kept confidential. People who are severely immunocompromised are eligible for treatment regardless of their risk score. If the risk score calculator indicates that you likely qualify for treatment, contact one of the listed treatment providers in Utah.
How to Contact U of U Health
If the risk score calculator determined that you’re likely eligible for COVID-19 outpatient treatment, call U of U Health at 801-213-2130 for further screening. Please have a list of your current medications before you call.
If you have additional questions, call the Utah COVID-19 Hotline at 1-800-456-7707.