5 Things To Know About Evusheld

As we navigate the pandemic together as a community, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society continues to provide updates regarding COVID-19 vaccines and treatment for people with multiple sclerosis.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized Evusheld to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 12 years and older. Evusheld can be used for those who are not infected with COVID-19 and have not been recently exposed to someone infected with the virus.

Here are 5 things to know about Evusheld.

• Some people with MS qualify for Evusheld

  This prevention medication is strictly for those who are not expected to have adequate immune responses to the vaccine or who have a severe allergy to the vaccines.

  People with MS who take the following disease modifying therapies may have a reduced or absent immune response to the COVID-19 vaccines and qualify to use Evusheld:

• • • Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulators (Gilenya, Mayzent, Zeposia, Ponvory),
    • Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) treatment within the past 24 months
    • Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (Ocrevus, Kesimpta, Rituxan and biosimilars)
      .

• Evusheld is safe to use with MS medications

  The treatment can be used alongside disease modifying therapies, although you may need to be coordinate timing with your MS healthcare provider.

• The Society recommends people with MS get vaccinated

  Evusheld is not a vaccine for COVID-19 nor is it a cure for COVID-19. Evusheld is a monoclonal antibody treatment, which delivers human-made antibodies to the body to help fight off infection by attacking the natural spike protein on the surface of the COVID-19 virus. The antibodies last only a few months.

  Vaccines work differently by prompting your immune system to “learn” the virus and develop longer-lasting defenses against the virus, which includes producing natural antibodies to the virus.

  Getting vaccinated is the best way to slow the spread of the virus and reduce the likelihood of severe symptoms and hospitalization, along with wearing a face mask, physical distancing and washing your hands.

• You can get vaccinated and get Evusheld

  You can get Evusheld at least 2 weeks after a COVID-19 vaccine or booster.

• Evusheld should be taken every 6 months

  Additional doses of Evusheld are required every 6 months for ongoing protection.

Your healthcare provider can help determine if Evusheld is right for you. After discussing and coordinating with your healthcare provider, visit the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response website to find a treatment location.

Editor’s Note: Learn more about Evusheld on the Society’s coronavirus resources page. This blog was originally published on January 4, 2022 and updated on September 9, 2022.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is proud to be a source of information on multiple sclerosis related topics. Unless otherwise indicated, the information provided is based on professional advice, published experience and expert opinion. However, the information does not constitute medical or legal advice. For specific medical advice, consult a qualified physician. For specific legal advice, consult a qualified attorney.