We have come a long way from the start of the pandemic, when those well enough to avoid admission could not even access a COVID-19 test, let alone any specific therapeutics. Those in the highest-risk groups for severe consequences of COVID-19 can now access an antiviral or neutralising monoclonal antibody in the community. In this podcast, Dr Toni Hazell and Professor Simon de Lusignan outline the various drugs available, which are recommended by NICE, who is eligible for them and the practicalities of ensuring that your patients have access to these medications in a timely manner. 

They also discuss the PANORAMIC trial and which patients might want to take part in that, as well as the broader issues around testing for viruses in primary care.

As of June 2023, national commissioning of Covid Medicines Delivery Units (CMDU) in England has ended. These services will now be commissioned locally by ICBs and patients will not be contacted if they are high risk and have a positive COVID-19 test. Depending on local arrangements, patients might access COVID-19 therapeutics via 111, via the GP, via their hospital consultant, or by emailing/phoning their local CMDU directly. Further information is here https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/wp-content/uploads/sites/52/2023/06/PRN00532-access-to-covid-treatments-letter-190623.pdf.