Outpatient Treatments for COVID-19
Island Health has established an Outpatient COVID-19 Therapeutics Clinic (OCTC) for evaluation and treatment for vulnerable patients with early, mild to moderate COVID-19 infection in the community and require an alternative to Paxlovid. The OCTC is a virtual, referral based, multidisciplinary clinic. The team consists of Clerical Staff, Registered Nurses and Physicians.
Eligible patients will be evaluated for suitability and booked for infusion if appropriate by our clinic staff.
For more information on eligibility and types of treatment, visit the BCCDC web page.
This clinic is not for general COVID advice.
This clinic does not prescribe Paxlovid; this is for intravenous therapies only.
The Outpatient COVID-19 Therapeutics Clinic is now a referral based program.
Health Care Providers: refer your patient to this program, please fax the completed referral form to: 250-370-8753.
Clinic Information
250-737-2030 ext 44685
Nursing and Clerical Support: Monday to Sunday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Physician Consultations: Monday to Friday (no stat holidays)
*Please note that eligible patients will be contacted by the Outpatient COVID-19 Therapeutics Clinic upon receiving a completed referral form, within one to two working days.
- Who is eligible for therapy?
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Patients who test positive for COVID-19 via a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) test AND have been identified as being at increased risk of being hospitalized due to underlying health conditions.
Eligibility criteria can be found on the BCCDC web page.
- What treatment is right for me?
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Paxlovid and Remdesivir are highly effective antiviral agents which reduce the risk of COVID-19 disease progression to a more serious illness. Paxlovid is generally preferred as it can be given orally. An alternative medication called Remdesivir, which is an IV medication, may be used for patients who are at the highest risk and unable to take Paxlovid due to drug interactions with existing medicines. Patients are encouraged to connect with their Primary Care Provider or Specialist to discuss treatment options.
In rare circumstances, Sotrovimab may be the only treatment which is reasonable. It is reserved for high risk patients who are unable to take Paxlovid or Remdesivir. This may be due to underlying medical conditions, drug interactions or an inability to attend an outpatient infusion clinic for three consecutive days.
Paxlovid
Remdesivir
Sotrovimab
- How can I obtain a Paxlovid prescription?
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Paxlovid can be prescribed by any physician or nurse practitioner in B.C. Please contact your primary care provider or specialist to discuss treatment options.
Patients should complete the B.C. COVID-19 Treatment Self-Assessment to see if they are eligible for treatment. If you meet the criteria, you will be advised to contact your Family Doctor, Nurse Practitioner or Specialist to discuss treatment options.
If you do not have a Family Doctor, Nurse Practitioner or Specialist, please call Service B.C. at 1-888-268-4319 for an alternative path to a Paxlovid prescription.
Patients who are not a candidate for Paxlovid and have an elevated risk (>=5%) using the Point Scoring to Estimate Hospitalization Risk tool, can be referred to the Outpatient COVID-19 Therapeutics Clinic by Family Doctor, Nurse Practitioner or Specialist using the Outpatient COVID-19 IV Therapeutics Clinic Referral Form.
- What is Remdesivir Therapy for COVID-19?
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Remdesivir is a three dose monoclonal antibody treatment that is administered over 30 minutes at an Island Health Infusion site. It is given by intravenous infusion daily for three consecutive days.
Antiviral drugs are generally effective against all variants of concern and there is little risk of mutations or emergence of new Coronavirus strains becoming resistant. It may be contraindicated in some patients with severe liver disease. For patients with chronic kidney disease, the dosage may be adjusted.
See the Island Health Infusion Site tab below for locations.
- What is Sotrovimab Therapy for COVID-19?
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Sotrovimab is a single dose monoclonal antibody treatment that is administered over 60 minutes at an Island Health Infusion site. It was previously shown to be highly effective at reducing progression to a more serious disease. However, new circulating variants have been shown to have some resistance to Sotrovimab. It may still be used in certain circumstances when there are no other treatment options available and your treating Physician feels there could be a potential benefit.
See the Island Health Infusion Site tab below for locations.
- Island Health Infusion Sites
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Infusion Site Information
Please note that an infusion at the clinic closest to the patient is not guaranteed. The Outpatient COVID-19 Therapeutics Clinic will make arrangements for closest availability. Travel may be required.
Infusions are available at the following sites:
*All sites are public (MSP billed).
- What to expect after the treatment is complete?
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- Treatment will not rid of COVID symptoms entirely, but will decrease the severity of symptoms and avoid hospitalization. If your symptoms worsen or you have any questions or concerns related to your COVID illness or treatment you received, you can contact an OCTC nurse during clinic hours, call your primary care provider, or call 8-1-1.
- If you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, can’t drink, feel very sick, confused or experience loss of consciousness, please go to the nearest Urgent Care Clinic, Emergency Department or call 9-1-1.
- Patients who have received IV Infusion Treatment (Remdesivir or Sotrovimab), a follow up telephone appointment will be scheduled for two days post final infusion to review your health status.
- Some patients may be referred on to Community Virtual Care Program for additional monitoring.
- How can I get a referral?
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A Physician referral is required and can be faxed to 250-370-8753.
OCTC Referral Form
Consultations and presciptions for Outpatient IV Remdesivir and Sotrovimab are limited to Infectious Disease Specialists in Island Health.
This clinic is not for general COVID advice.
This clinic does not prescribe Paxlovid; this clinic is for intravenous therapies only.
