Dear Colleagues,
Update: I am writing to follow up on last week’s email regarding Remdesivir, to provide the more specific additional tools promised. The first two attached tools outline steps to follow to obtain remdesivir for critically ill patients. If you are caring for a patient who in your clinical judgment meets criteria for emergency use and you recommend remdesivir, please refer to the attached Remdesivir flow sheet and Remdesivir Emergency Use Checklist to guide that process. Please continue to refer to the WV Remdesivir Protocol (attached again here) for additional information. You can direct any questions to the WV 24/7 Coronavirus Hotline: 1-800-887-4304.
Background: May 1, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to permit the emergency use of remdesivir for patients with severe suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Except in clinical trials, remdesivir is not recommended for mild to moderate COVID19. The West Virginia Bureau for Public Health (BPH) recently received an allotment of remdesivir from the US Department of Health and Human Resources. Remdesivir has been distributed to four pre-positioned/Hub Hospitals in WV for the treatment of seriously ill COVID-19 patients in accordance with guidelines set forth by the protocol and the EUA. There is access from these hospitals to other facilities who can meet the EUA requirements as well.
Many thanks again for all you are doing to care for patients across West Virginia. Your work not only on COVID19 but also the many other health issues you address day to dayis so appreciated.
Catherine C. Slemp
Catherine C. Slemp, MD, MPH
Commissioner and State Health Officer
Bureau for Public Health, WVDHHR
