Out of Hospital COVID treatment and eligibility

Certain groups of patients can potentially have monoclonal antibody OR anti-viral treatment out of hospital if they test positive for COVID-19 and fit the criteria. The aim of which is to reduce the need for hospital admission.

Non-hospitalised patients are eligible for treatment if:

• SARS-CoV-2 infection is confirmed by either: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing OR Lateral flow test (registered via gov.uk or NHS 119)  AND
• Symptomatic with COVID-19 and showing no signs of clinical recovery AND
• The patient is a member of a ‘highest’ risk group

The ‘highest’ risk group includes those with inflammatory conditions that fit the criteria below:

• Treated with rituximab or other B cell depleting therapy in the last 12 months
• Active/unstable disease on steroids, cyclophosphamide, tacrolimus, cyclosporin or mycophenolate.
• Stable disease on either steroids, cyclophosphamide, tacrolimus, cyclosporin or mycophenolate.
• Patients with active/unstable disease including those on biologic therapy

Patients on methotrexate, sulfasalazine or hydroxychloroquine, either alone are in combination, are not eligible unless also on biologic therapy.

To access these treatments, eligible patients who have tested positive for COVID 19 are strongly advised to use this self-referral form. If you are unable to complete the form, contact your GP or NHS 111.