Outpatient Therapies for COVID-19

Oral antiviral medications and monoclonal antibody treatment options may help reduce the risk of developing severe illness in high-risk patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.

According to the revised NIH treatment guidelines, oral antiviral medications and monoclonal antibody treatment options should be administered as soon as possible after a positive SARS-CoV-2 test, but no later than 5 days after symptom onset (for oral antivirals) and no later than 7 days after symptom onset (for monoclonal antibodies). Oral antiviral therapy and monoclonal antibody treatment options have been authorized for emergency use by the FDA to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in persons who are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization. 

Risk factors that may place persons at high risk for severe illness due to COVID-19 are: 

  • Age over 50 years
  • Being unvaccinated or not being up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines
  • Obesity or being overweight, with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or greater
  • Pregnancy
  • Diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or a condition that weakens the immune system 
  • Heart disease, high blood pressure, or lung disease
  • Race, ethnicity, and other factors that may place persons at high risk for severe COVID-19.

When determining who meets the EUA for outpatient treatment for mild and moderate COVID-19, please refer to the Underlying Medical Conditions Associated with Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19: Information for Healthcare Professionals and to the Types of Primary Immune Deficiency Diseases.

Where are Oral Antivirals available?

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a therapeutics locator that identify pharmacies that may carry Paxlovid or molnupiravir. These medications must be prescribed by an appropriate health care provider. In addition, Paxlovid can be prescribed and dispensed at the Monoclonal Antibody Regional Centers (MARCs) in San Diego County.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Optumserve have introduced Test to Treat sites for no cost, confidential testing and treatment. Oral antiviral treatment is available to individuals who qualify, including those without insurance. Please call 1-888-634-1123 to schedule an appointment at an OptumServe site for testing and treatment with Paxlovid, if eligible.

To request a supply of oral antivirals to administer to patients, please email moc.logs.hhsa@sdcounty.ca.gov and CC mhoac.hhsa@sdcounty.ca.gov for further information.

Where is Evusheld available?

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a therapeutics locator, intended for provider use, that identifies facilities which have been allocated Evusheld. Evusheld is a monoclonal antibody that received EUA by the FDA for pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 in individuals with moderate to severe immune compromise, or who have a history of severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine.

To request a supply of Evusheld to administer to patients, please email moc.logs.hhsa@sdcounty.ca.gov and CC mhoac.hhsa@sdcounty.ca.gov for further information.

Where are Monoclonal Antibodies available?

Monoclonal antibody treatments may be available through pharmacies, physician offices, infusion centers and hospitals across San Diego County. Bebtelovimab is available at the Monoclonal Antibody Regional Centers (MARCs) in San Diego County. The MARCs offer treatment to medically eligible individuals who are 12 years of age and older.

How is the monoclonal antibody Bebtelovimab obtained? 

  • Health Providers
  • Patients
    • If you think that you are medically eligible, call your primary care provider or healthcare system to determine if you are eligible for oral antiviral treatment or monoclonal antibody therapy and to request an appointment. 
    • If your primary care provider or healthcare system does not have monoclonal antibody therapy available but has determined that you are eligible and at high risk, please call (619) 685-2500 to request an appointment at a MARC. A provider referral is not required. 
    • Visit the Treatment for COVID-19 Information for Patients website.
  • Skilled Nursing Facilities 
  • Order Bebtelovimab from AmerisourceBergen

Where?

  • MARC at Vista Community Clinic
    • Treatment site in Vista open Tuesday through Friday 
  • MARC at Clairemont Friendship Center
    • Treatment site in Clairemont open Monday through Saturday
  • Family Health Centers of San Diego
    • Treatment site in Hillcrest open Tuesday through Friday
  • MARC at San Ysidro Health
    • Treatment site in Chula Vista open Wednesday through Sunday

Additional Resources