COVID-19 antiviral and antibody treatments

Vaccination continues to be the best line of defence against Covid-19, but did you know that there are also treatments available to help at-risk people who test positive and have symptoms?

There are two types of treatments:

• Infusions of antibody medications which support the immune response (only for extremely clinically vulnerable people)
• A course of oral tablets, which can also be offered to people who may not be the most clinically vulnerable, but are still at greater risk of getting very ill – those over the age of 50, and younger adults who have an underlying health condition.

Infusions

At Swansea Bay we offer infusions for extremely clinically vulnerable people at a clinic at Neath Port Talbot Hospital. People who can access this service, called Neutralising Monoclonal Antibody treatment, are those who are most at risk of serious disease, hospitalisation or death from Covid-19.

These infusions lower the amount of virus in the body, and help the patient fight off the worst symptoms. To find out more about who can access infusion treatment, and more details about the treatment itself, please go here.

Most people who qualify for this treatment will be contacted once they have a positive PCR test confirming Covid-19 and offered the treatment.

However, if you are extremely clinically vulnerable have a positive PCR test and are not contacted straight away, or you’ve had a positive LFT test, you can still access the service. Follow this link to the Welsh Medicines Advice Services website for more information about the antiviral services available across Wales, or alternatively you can contact NHS 111 or your GP.

PANORAMIC trial

This trial is available for people who are wider risk of serious illness from Covid-19 either because

• they are over the age of 50, or  
• they are aged 18 to 49 with underlying health conditions. (Many of these people will qualify for free annual flu jabs.)

To take part people need to fall into one of the at-risk groups, have tested positive for Covid-19 by either a PCR or LFT test, and have symptoms.

The PANORAMIC trial involves a course of oral tablets. These tablets are already used to treat some people who are ill enough with Covid to be in hospital. The trial is now looking at how effective the treatment is for people who are still at home who test positive for Covid, and who have symptoms.

It is a UK-wide study and anyone who is in the at-risk categories can apply to take part, whether they have been vaccinated or not. Follow this link to the PANORAMIC website for more information on the trial, including a link to apply. Or, ring 08081 560017 (calls are free.)

Once accepted onto the trial, the tablets are posted to you straight away as they should be taken within five days. You will be asked to answer follow up questions online or by telephone, but no face-to-face visits are needed.

Please go here to find out whether you are eligible for COVID-19 treatments or participation in a UK-wide antiviral study.