COVID-19 Prevention for Everyone

As our COVID-19 knowledge and therapy options progress, it is important to remain up to date on methods of prevention. We are now carrying bivalent boosters! These new shots have coverage for the omicron strain of COVID-19, which was NOT covered in the original boosters. Most of our locations offer both Pfizer and Moderna, but you can safely and effectively receive either vaccine, regardless of previous doses.

Moose Pharmacy also offers Evusheld, a combination of monoclonal antibodies that provides long-acting immunity to COVID-19. 

Evusheld is a good option for anyone with a severe allergy to ingredients of the vaccine, and/or anyone with a condition that causes a suppressed immune system. These conditions include HIV/AIDS, organ transplant, or anyone taking medications that suppress their immune system such as high dose steroids, tacrolimus, cyclosporine, mycophenolate, etc. 

The ingredients of Evusheld (tixagevimab and cilgavimab) are different than the vaccines’ ingredients, so there is a low chance one will also be allergic to Evusheld. In clinical trials, less than 0.1% of patients who received Evusheld experienced a severe allergic reaction. 

It is recommended because conditions that suppress the immune system do not allow the body to form a full response to the vaccines, leaving one unprotected against the virus. Evusheld blocks the COVID virus in your body entirely from causing illness, so there is no immune response needed to be protected from the virus. 

Those who are at least 12 years old, weigh more than 88 pounds, and meet one of the criteria listed above (allergy or suppressed immune system) should receive Evusheld to prevent getting the COVID-19 virus. 

Evusheld is administered as two injections into the muscles of your glutes, and it is currently recommended to receive a dose every 6 months.

Bullet Points:

  • The new COVID-19 Bivalent Booster vaccine covers the Omicron variant of COVID-19, offering additional protection to everyone compared to previous COVID-19 booster vaccines.
  • Evusheld can help prevent COVID-19 in those who cannot receive the vaccines due to severe allergic reactions with the vaccines, including throat tightness, difficulty breathing, or throat swelling.
  • Evusheld can help prevent COVID-19 in those who cannot receive the vaccines due to immunocompromising conditions including HIV/AIDS, organ transplant, or anyone taking medications that suppress their immune system such as high dose steroids, tacrolimus, cyclosporine, mycophenolate, etc.

References:

  • Levin MJ, Ustianowski A, De Wit S, et al. Intramuscular AZD7442 (Tixagevimab-Cilgavimab) for Prevention of Covid-19. N Engl J Med. 2022;386(23):2188-2200. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2116620
  • Levin MJ, Ustianowski A, De Wit S, et al. Intramuscular AZD7442 (Tixagevimab-Cilgavimab) for Prevention of Covid-19. N Engl J Med. 2022;386(23):2188-2200. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2116620
  • Tixagevimab and Cilgavimab (Evusheld) for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis of COVID-19. JAMA. 2022;327(4):384-385. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.24931