In the first half of January 2022, Dr. Sameer Parikh from Mayo, Rochester, MN, discusses the present state of affairs related to COVID-19 for those with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma or CLL / SLL.
In this short monologue, he touches on:
- the Omicron surge
- lack of response to vaccines in many with CLL / SLL
- the need to continue to follow precautions such as masking and social distancing, even if vaccinated
- waiting for the recently authorized Evusheld, the long-acting antibody preventative, to be more available
- the reality that all CLL / SLL patients, regardless of their treatment status, are immunocompromised
It can be hard not to be discouraged, but there is a reason for hope. This surge could pass quickly. There are already very effective medications authorized or approved as described in the CDC HEALTH ADVISORY: Using Therapeutics to Prevent and Treat COVID-19 for the immunocompromised, and that they won’t always be in short supply.
Stay strong. We are all in this together.
Brian
Brian Koffman MDCM (retired) MS Ed (he, him, his)
Co-Founder, Executive VP, and Chief Medical Officer
CLL Society, Inc.
