Don’t Delay COVID-19 Vaccine After Monoclonal Antibody Treatment, CDC Says

Patients who have received monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19 have, until recently, been advised to avoid COVID-19 vaccination until 90 days. Now, there’s no longer a waiting period for those patients, according to new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

“People who previously received antibody products (anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma) as part of COVID-19 treatment, post-exposure prophylaxis, or pre-exposure prophylaxis can be vaccinated at any time,” the agency’s website said. “COVID-19 vaccination does not need to be delayed following receipt of monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma.” 

COVID-19 vaccines might not be as effective after treatment with monoclonal antibodies, but the extent is not known, CDC says, adding, “Balance of benefits vs. risks favors proceeding with vaccination even considering the possibility of diminished vaccine effectiveness in this situation.” 

However, the agency has noted an exception regarding Evusheld, a monoclonal antibody treatment that helps prevent COVID-19 infection among immunocompromised patients at high risk of progression to severe cases. People who have received a COVID-19 vaccination should wait at least two weeks before receiving Evusheld, CDC says.

Last Updated On

February 28, 2022

Originally Published On

February 28, 2022

Related Content

Coronavirus