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COVID-19 for Healthcare Professionals
This page includes information on vaccination, treatment, testing, and other COVID-19 topics. Thank you for your continued work to protect the health and well-being of all Virginians.
Latest Updates
CDC approved several changes regarding the usage of respiratory vaccines. This follows CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting on October 23–24. For 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccines, CDC recommends:
- A second dose for adults aged 65 and older and people aged six months through 64 years who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.
- Additional doses (i.e., three or more) for people aged six months and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised using shared decision making with a medical provider.
- More information is available at CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccines webpage.
On October 7, 2024, the FDA authorized marketing for the Healgen Rapid Check COVID-19/Flu A&B Antigen, a test for COVID-19 and influenza (flu). This is the first over-the-counter (OTC) test that can detect flu to be granted marketing authorization using a traditional premarket review pathway. Other OTC flu/COVID tests are currently available under emergency use authorization.
This test is for individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms and uses a nasal swab sample to deliver at-home results in approximately 15 minutes, without a prescription. It is for individuals 14 years or older to test their own sample and can be used for individuals 2 years and older with a sample taken and tested by an adult. More information is available on FDA’s press release.
As of in September 2024, U.S. households are eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov. The COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through the end of the year. For more information on the program please visit COVIDTests.gov.
Healthcare Settings
- CDC Healthcare Workers: Information on COVID-19
- CDC Clinical Care Quick Reference
- CDC Interim Guidance for Managing Healthcare Personnel with SARS-CoV-2 Infection or Exposure to SARS-CoV-2
Infection Prevention and Control
- CDC Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for COVID-19
- VDH Infection Prevention for Healthcare & Congregate Settings
- Local metrics to determine broader use of source control:
Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccination is the primary prevention measure against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Substantial evidence has shown that COVID-19 vaccination helps prevent severe outcomes from COVID-19 including hospitalization and death. COVID-19 vaccination has also been shown to help prevent the development of Long COVID.
- CDC Use of COVID-19 Vaccines in the United States
- FDA Information on COVID-19 EUAs
- Immunize.org: Ask the Experts
- Vaccine Manufacturer Expiry Date Look-up Tools
Monoclonal antibody for COVID-19 pre-exposure prophylaxis
In March 2024, FDA granted an EUA for Pemgarda, a monoclonal antibody indicated for pre-exposure prophylaxis against COVID-19 in immunocompromised people.
- CDC Pre-exposure Prophylaxis
- FDA Roundup March 22, 2024 - Provides brief description about Pemgarda
- EUA Fact Sheet for Pemgarda
Evidence shows that early administration of antiviral drug therapy in people at increased risk for severe COVID-19 helps prevent serious outcomes such as hospitalization and death.
Therapeutics Guidelines
- CDC Interim Clinical Considerations for COVID-19 Treatment in Outpatients
- FDA: Information on COVID-19 EUAs
- HHS: Side-by-Side Overview of Therapeutics Authorized or Approved for the Prevention of COVID-19 Infection or Treatment of Mild to Moderate COVID-19
- HHS: COVID-19 Therapeutics: Resources for Health Care Professionals and Public Health Officials
- IDSA: Therapeutics
- University of Liverpool: COVID-19 Drug Interaction Checker
Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir)
Lagevrio (Molnupiravir)
Veklury (remdesivir)
Treatment Resources for Patients
- Treatment Financial Assistance