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Latest advice on new Covid-19 treatments for people who have Down’s syndrome and test positive

Updated 3 February 2022

The NHS are now offering new antibody and antiviral treatments to people who have tested positive for Covid-19 and who are considered at highest risk of becoming seriously ill. This includes people aged 12+ who have Down’s syndrome. You can find the latest on the treatments here.

The process described below applies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

What happens now?

Everyone aged 12+ who has Down’s syndrome and is known to services, should by now have received a letter telling the recipient that they are may eligible for new antiviral treatments if they test positive for Covid-19 via a PCR test.

If someone tests positive with a lateral flow, or if they have Covid-19 symptoms, they should complete the PCR test and send it back as instructed immediately. If this PCR test is then confirmed as positive, the NHS will contact the person to check whether treatment is appropriate for them, and if it is, how they can access the new antiviral treatment. If the PCR test hasn’t arrived by now, people can contact NHS Test and Trace on 119 to ask for one to be sent.

From 10 February, a positive test result from a lateral flow test recorded online will also make treatment accessible, though a follow up PCR test will also be needed.

It is vital that the person receives treatment within the first five days of a positive PCR test or getting symptoms.

Clinical trials have suggested these new drugs are very effective in preventing severe illness.

Read more about the main symptoms of Covid-19 

The preferred treatment option is an intravenous (drip) drug that would be given in a number of settings, like a hospital. There is an additional option of an oral drug (tablets), which can be taken at home. This is effective, but not as effective as a drip. The clinician should make a decision in discussion with the individual and their family as to which is the most appropriate treatment, especially if getting someone to a hospital would be difficult. Families can accompany their loved one to support them if they choose the hospital option.

From 10 February, a new treatment option will be available to be taken at home. You can find more information about the treatments offered here.

We know that NHS lists may be incomplete, so if someone tests positive and they haven’t been contacted within 24 hours from receiving the positive result, the family should contact NHS 111 or their GP immediately and outline that their relative has Down’s syndrome. They should ask to be put in contact with a clinician who will discuss how they access the new drugs through a local Medicine Delivery Unit (CMDU).

Research opportunity

Antiviral medicines are also available through a national study, run by the University of Oxford, called the PANORAMIC trial. It is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of these new treatments. This may be of interest to family members, rather than individuals who have Down’s syndrome, as they would already be eligible for consideration to receive treatments.

The study is open to people in the UK who:

  • have tested positive for COVID-19 using a PCR test
  • have COVID-19 symptoms that started within the last 5 days
  • are aged 50 and over, or are aged 18 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19

If you take part in the study you may be randomly selected to receive the antiviral medicine.

Find out more about the study here.

For more information on treatments for coronavirus please visit the NHS website.

(Originally published 20 December 2021)