New Covid-19 treatments for highest risk Covid patients who are non-hospitalised

From 16 December 2021, the NHS will be offering new antibody and antiviral treatments to people with Covid-19 who are at highest risk of becoming seriously ill.

2 types of Covid-19 treatment will be available:

Casirivimab and imdevimab are biological medicines. They are also known as neutralising monoclonal antibodies (nMAbs).

Molnupiravir is an antiviral medicine.

These treatments can help some people manage their Covid-19 symptoms and reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill.

Who can have a Covid-19 treatment

Treatments for Covid-19 are for people aged 12 and over who have tested positive for the virus and are at highest risk of getting seriously ill.

This includes people who have:

  • Down's syndrome
  • A rare condition affecting the brain or nerves (including multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Huntington’s disease or myasthenia gravis)
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Certain types of cancer
  • HIV or AIDS
  • A severe liver condition (such as cirrhosis)
  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5
  • Had an organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant recently
  • A condition or treatment that makes you more likely to get infections
  • Had chemotherapy grades B and C in the last 12 months
  • Had radiotherapy in the last 6 months

A doctor or specialist will confirm if you are eligible for treatment.

Which treatment will I get?

The NHS will advise which treatment, if any, is suitable for you.

Casirivimab and imdevimab are usually given to you through a drip in your arm (infusion) or by injections. You'll usually get it at your local hospital or in a local health centre.

You'll get instructions on where to get the treatment and how to get there and back safely.

If you are given molnupiravir, it normally comes as capsules you swallow and they can be taken at home.

A hospital pharmacy will usually arrange for the medicine to be delivered to you or it can be collected by someone else such as a friend, relative or NHS volunteer responder.

Page last updated: 20/12/21