New Preventative Monoclonal Antibody for Immunocompromised Patients
OCALA, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo to announce a new long-acting COVID-19 monoclonal antibody therapy from AstraZeneca will be available for moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals, such as cancer patients and transplant recipients, at numerous health care provider locations in Florida, upon allocation from the federal government. A one pager about Evusheld can be found here.
“This monoclonal is a new tool for some of our most vulnerable Floridians and we are happy to make this available throughout the state,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida has been a leader in advocating for early treatment of COVID-19 and the availability of this new monoclonal is a continuation of the state’s efforts. Florida will continue to use a comprehensive approach to respond to COVID-19 and promote healthy living through Healthier You.”
Governor DeSantis also discussed Healthier You, the Florida Department of Health’s new initiative which serves as a one-stop shop for Floridians to access resources to promote a healthy lifestyle.
“According to clinical trials, recipients of this new monoclonal antibody therapy saw a 77 percent reduced risk of developing COVID-19,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo. “Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues safeguarding vulnerable populations and providing protection options to all. Beyond COVID-19, our Healthier You initiative bolsters efforts to improve Floridians knowledge of how to best support their overall health.”
From staying active to learning new recipes and boosting your nutritional intake, the Florida Department of Health works through Healthier You to educate the public on ways to improve habits and overall health. This is a resource that encourages Floridians of all ages to get active, go outside, improve nutrition, including vitamin D intake, or learn about COVID-19.
Click here to watch the new public service announcement about Healthier You.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for AstraZeneca’s Evusheld for the pre-exposure prophylaxis (prevention) of COVID-19 in certain populations 12 years of age and older.
AstraZeneca’s Evusheld is authorized for:
• Individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised or are taking immunosuppressive medications and may not mount an adequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccines.
• Individuals with a history of severe adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines and/or components of the vaccines or its ingredients.
Eligible patients should contact their health care provider if interested. Locations that will administer this monoclonal antibody therapy can be found at www.FloridaHealthCOVID19.gov. The Florida Department of Health will continue to update the public as this therapy is delivered from the federal government and becomes available.
One dose of AstraZeneca’s Evusheld, administered as two separate consecutive intramuscular injections (one injection per monoclonal antibody, given in immediate succession), may be effective for pre-exposure prevention for at least six months. Under the EUA, fact sheets for health care providers, patients and caregivers, and frequently asked questions for AstraZeneca’s Evusheld are available on the FDA’s website. These fact sheets include dosing instructions, potential side effects, and drug interactions.
About the Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.
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