The UK-wide policy details those patients who are at the highest risk of severe disease and could be considered for treatment with Sotrovimab, a neutralising monoclonal antibody treatment.
The College’s advice on clinical management of children and young people with COVID-19 has been updated to reflect these developments. Table 2 in the Treatment criteria for COVID-19 specific therapy section outlines additional considerations the clinical risk factors that should be considered when recommending treatment to non-hospitalised symptomatic, SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive children and young people.
Integrated Care Systems, Health Boards and Trusts across the UK are establishing referral pathways and services - COVID Medicines Delivery Units (CMDU) – to provide timely assessment and access to treatment for those patients who can benefit (see below for further signposts by nation).
For children and young people, this rapid assessment should be undertaken by a paediatric multi-disciplinary team (MDT). Paediatricians may be approached by parents and families concerned about whether a child or young person is eligible for treatment should they test positive for SARS-CoV-2. Any concerned clinician should refer to their regional MDT for support and advice.
Further information:
- England – COVID Medicine Delivery Unit Directory
- Scotland – COVID therapeutic alert (PDF)
- Wales – COVID therapies alerts and guidance advice and public health alert (PDF)
- Northern Ireland – Clinical Commissioning Policy statement