As of January 26, 2023, Evusheld is no longer authorized for use in the U.S. due to resistance against circulating variants.
Evusheld can protect those with weakened immune symptoms from COVID-19.
Evusheld is not a replacement for COVID-19 vaccines. Everyone eligible to receive one of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines should do so.
Evusheld is for individuals unable to benefit from vaccination. People whose immune systems are so weakened that they do not develop immunity from the vaccines or those who can't be vaccinated because of severe allergic reactions are at increased risk for COVID-19. For those individuals, medical professionals may recommend Evusheld to offer protection in case those individuals become exposed to the COVID-19 virus.
What is Evusheld?
Evusheld is a combination of two medications given together: tixagevimab and cilgavimab. Both are long-acting monoclonal antibodies, which are lab-made proteins that act like antibodies made by your immune system to fight an infection. Evusheld is administered by two injections, one given immediately after the other.
Who can get Evusheld?
Evusheld is authorized for people ages 12 and older who weigh at least 88 pounds. It is not for those currently infected with COVID-19 or who have had a known recent exposure to the virus. Additionally, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- You currently have a health condition that likely won’t allow your body to develop a strong enough response to the COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., immunocompromised because of cancer)
- You currently taking medications that prevent a strong enough response to the COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., chemotherapy or transplant anti-rejection medications)
- You’re unable to get the vaccine due to severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to all of the COVID-19 vaccines or their ingredients
