Flanked by Florida Surgeon General Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the availability of a new long-acting COVID-19 monoclonal antibody therapy aimed at helping those who have cancer, have received organ transplants or who are otherwise moderately severely immunocompromised.
Called Evusheld, the therapy from AstraZeneca is administered in one dose as two separate consecutive intramuscular injections and may provide protection for immunocompromised and other medically vulnerable patients for at least six months, according to the DeSantis office.
“This monoclonal is a new tool for some of our most vulnerable Floridians and we are happy to make this available throughout the state,”DeSantis said.
The Evusheld therapy is also authorized for administration to individuals who are taking immunosuppressive medications, or who may not have an adequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccines. It is also authorized for use in those with a history of adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines or to the vaccines’ components or ingredients.
In clinical trials the new monoclonal antibody therapy reduced the risk of developing COVID-19 by 77 percent.
The therapy will be available at numerous health care provider locations in Florida upon allocation from the federal government, the DeSantis office said.
In announcing the availability of the new therapy, DeSantis and Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo also unveiled a new Florida Department of Health initiative aimed at educating Floridians about ways they can improve their habits and overall health.
Called Healthier You, the program offers tips on everything from nutrition, to ways to get and stay active.
For more information about Healthier You visit www.healthieryoufl.com
Those eligible for the Evusheld monoclonal antibody therapy should contact their healthcare provider for more information. Locations that will administer this monoclonal antibody therapy can be found at www.FloridaHealthCOVID19.gov.
