SALINA — Central Care Cancer Center is offering monoclonal antibody treatment for individuals who have moderate to severely compromised immune systems diagnosed by a physician, or have a history of severe adverse reactions to vaccines. Although vaccines are the best defense against COVID-19, this is an alternative option for those who cannot receive them. This option is offered as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), as it is for individuals who are not currently COVID-19 positive and have not had a recent exposure to a COVID positive individual.

The monoclonal antibody therapy, called Evusheld, is administered with one injection of tixagevimab, immediately followed by one injection of cilgavimab. Together, the monoclonal antibodies mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful viruses such as COVID-19. The expected duration of Evusheld is six months, but if potential exposure to COVID remains a risk, the dose can be repeated every six months per physician recommendation.

The FDA has issued an Emergency Use Authorization to make Evusheld available during the pandemic, but it is not FDA-approved. Evusheld is investigational because it is still being studied.

Patients who meet the eligibility requirements should discuss this option with their primary care physician in order to be referred to Central Care for a consultation. There is a cost associated in getting established at Central Care, that is typically covered by the patient’s insurance. There is no charge for the monoclonal antibody treatment.