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Preventing COVID-19

How can I protect myself?

There are many ways you can protect yourself from COVID-19. The first and most important way to prevent serious illness and death is to get vaccinated. You can still contract COVID-19 if you are vaccinated, but the vaccines are very effective in preventing severe symptoms that may result in the need for medical care and hospitalization. Other ways to protect yourself include wearing a well-fitted, high-quality mask, keeping distance from others and washing your hands frequently.

How can I protect others?

You can protect others by preventing the spread of COVID-19. These are some of the ways that you can protect others from contracting COVID-19:

  • Stay home if you’re sick. Do not leave your home except for medical care. Avoid public areas and public transportation.
  • Separate yourself from others in your home if your symptoms suggest COVID-19. This is known as isolation.
  • Get tested to confirm your COVID-19 diagnosis, and follow the guidance you receive from your doctor and public health authorities.
  • Wear a well-fitted, high-quality mask over your nose and mouth.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes.
  • Clean your hands often and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.

Are there additional protections available for those that are severely immunocompromised? 

Yes, Evusheld is a long-acting monoclonal antibody therapy that has received EUA approval. It is used to prevent COVID-19 infection in people who have no known exposure to the illness and are moderate to severely immunocompromised due to a medical condition or immunosuppressive treatments. At Banner Health, we are currently administering Evusheld in patients who meet certain criteria including no known exposure to COVID-19. If a patient is not able to have a COVID vaccine because of medical reasons, they may be given Evusheld instead. Evusheld is administered as two injections in the muscle and both of those are given during the same appointment. This medication is being provided at several Banner outpatient treatment centers and hospitals in Phoenix and Tucson and patients must meet approved criteria with a doctor’s order.