Oregon Board of Pharmacy
COVID-19 UPDATE - January 6, 2022
COVID-19 Updates from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA)
- Updated OHA COVID-19 Vaccine Protocol
On 1/6/2022, the OHA Public Health Division Immunization Program updated the COVID-19 Vaccine Pharmacy Protocol for Immunization to include:
- People 12-17 years old should receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series. At this time, only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for adolescents aged 12-17 years old.
- People who received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine as their primary series are recommended to get a booster after 5 months instead of 6 months.
- Children 5-11 years old who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should receive an additional primary dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine 28 days after their second shot.
Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) Pauses Shipping of Bamlanivimab and Etesevimab Together, Etesevimab Alone, and REGEN-COV
On 12/23/2021, it was announced that circulating SARS-CoV-2 viral variants, including Omicron, may be associated with resistance to monoclonal antibodies. Health care providers should review the Antiviral Resistance information in the Healthcare Provider Fact Sheet for each authorized therapeutic for details regarding specific variants and resistance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes information about circulating variants in the United States by region. The frequency of the Omicron variant is increasing throughout the U.S. and health care providers should refer to these frequency data as they choose a therapeutic option for their patients.
FDA updated the Health Care Provider Fact Sheets for bamlanivimab and etesevimab administered together, REGEN-COV, and sotrovimab with specific information regarding expected activity against the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529/BA.1). These data show that it is unlikely that bamlanivimab and etesevimab administered together or REGEN-COV will retain activity against this variant. Based on similar cell culture data currently available, sotrovimab appears to retain activity against the Omicron variant.
ISMP Special Alert: Disepnsing Information on EUA of Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir)
Emergency use of Paxlovid is indicated for the treatment of mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kg) with positive results of direct severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral testing, and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death. Special dosing considerations are required for patients with moderate renal impairment, which require dispensing pharmacists to remove tablets from the blister cards and apply a manufacturer-provided pre-printed sticker with instructions.
Joe Schnabel, Pharm.D, R.Ph.
Executive Director, Oregon Board of Pharmacy
1/6/2022
The Oregon Board of Pharmacy serves to promote and protect public health,
safety and welfare by ensuring high standards in the practice of pharmacy and through effective regulation of the manufacture and distribution of drugs.
oregon.gov/pharmacy
The Oregon Board of Pharmacy is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to a diverse work force.
We respect, reflect and respond to the diverse people we serve.
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