As the U.S. grapples with the lasting effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important to highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the 7 million immunocompromised Americans. For them, the battle against Covid-19 is far from over. Often overlooked or sidelined by newsmakers and policymakers, these individuals continue to confront a heightened risk of severe illness or death due to their compromised immune systems, while society largely adjusts to life with the virus.
Among this vulnerable group are people with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, recipients of organ transplants, those with autoimmune conditions, and others. They endure prolonged isolation and sacrifice vital economic, emotional, and societal connections, yearning for a return to normalcy even as the coronavirus remains indifferent to their pleas. Their unique circumstances demand a comprehensive and tailored approach to health care that is both accessible and inclusive.
While commendable progress has been made in developing and distributing Covid-19 antivirals and vaccines — benefiting billions — the same cannot be said for other innovative prevention and treatment options, such as monoclonal antibodies (mABs), which have only been recently authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration.
Consumer Action, the national nonprofit dedicated to consumer advocacy, education, and empowerment that I work for, commends the FDA for prioritizing this decision and focusing on this often-overlooked segment of the population. Its swift review and approval of cutting-edge Covid-19 treatment therapies, including mABs that have been reformulated and updated to combat the newest strains of the virus, will provide a level and sense of relief for the immunocompromised patient population.
But approval is just the first step. These lifesaving interventions must be made accessible, affordable, and available to those who need them most. The level of accessibility for medications like mABs must mirror the widespread availability of Covid-19 antivirals and vaccines (such as in clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies), seamlessly integrating them into both private and public health care systems to ensure access for all Americans, regardless of their location or socioeconomic background.
Public-private partnerships will play a crucial role in connecting immunocompromised people with these new lifesaving therapies. A key first step would be for the Department of Health and Human Services to instruct insurance providers, nonprofits, pharmaceutical companies, and government health programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and the Veterans Health Administration to ensure these treatments are affordable, akin to the Biden administration’s actions with Covid-19 vaccines in fall 2023. That collaboration showed how government can work with the private sector to establish a more accessible and inclusive health care system that effectively addresses disease and illness for all Americans.
A comprehensive public health education campaign tailored to the needs of immunocompromised individuals will also be imperative to ensure they understand precautions, risks, and support. This campaign, which should feature input from administration officials, industry stakeholders, and health care professionals — from white coats to the White House — must address the unique challenges faced by this population. Clear guidance on innovative prevention and treatment options, including mABs, must be provided to empower the immunocompromised and ensure their active involvement in their health care decisions. Engaging the patient advocacy community will help ensure that immunocompromised people know how and where to get these innovative treatments.
The ongoing fight against Covid-19 requires a collective effort that leaves no one behind. Championing inclusive and innovative prevention and treatment options for all Americans, particularly the immunocompromised, is not merely a public health concern; it reflects a societal commitment to fundamental rights such as healthcare access, equity, and inclusion.
As Americans strive to move beyond Covid-19, it is important to acknowledge that for the 7 million immunocompromised individuals, the pandemic remains an ongoing challenge. Despite easing restrictions, Covid-19 continues to pose a significant threat to their well-being. Through decisive action, collaboration, and education, we can empower them to navigate this reality alongside their co-workers, family, friends, and neighbors, fostering a stronger sense of community resilience and support.
Ken McEldowney is a senior fellow at Consumer Action, a national consumer advocacy and education membership organization.