Evusheld decision leaves members of blood cancer community disappointed
Today (16 February) NICE has deemed that there’s not enough evidence to say Evusheld is clinically effective against COVID-19 in the UK. NICE also said it is developing a new review process to update recommendations on the cost-effectiveness of COVID-19 treatments, so they can be made available more quickly if they show promise against new variants and are found to be cost-effective.
Helen Rowntree, Chief Executive of Blood Cancer UK, said:
“Many people with blood cancer have put a lot of hope in Evusheld offering them a way back to a more normal way of life, and they will be disappointed to hear the drug has not been deemed clinically effective for use on the NHS by the independent body NICE.
“There are still things people with blood cancer can do to protect themselves against COVID-19. For some people with blood cancer the COVID-19 vaccines may be less effective but can still offer some level of protection. Given people with blood cancer have a higher risk of becoming more ill from COVID-19, reducing that risk is really important and everyone with blood cancer should come forward to receive their vaccines when they’re offered them.
“While Evusheld still remains privately available, what the government and NHS should do today is make sure the roll-out of booster vaccines to the immunocompromised, including those with blood cancer, is vastly improved. The NHS has been less successful at vaccinating immunocompromised people than older people, and we have seen particularly low vaccination rates in those from the Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Black African and Black Caribbean communities. Post-exposure treatments have also been incredibly important for the blood cancer community, and it’s vital the NHS makes sure everyone who’s eligible has quick access to them if they develop COVID-19.
“Blood Cancer UK expects to see clear plans from the Government about how to best protect immunocompromised individuals as we continue to live with COVID-19.”
Where to get the latest information on Evusheld
For up-to-date information on Evusheld, you can go to our health information pages.