A Shield of Protection: Unmet Needs in COVID-19 Prevention and Control

Overview:

Since SARS-CoV-2 emerged as the causative agent of COVID-19, comprehensive research has significantly advanced our knowledge of its viral behavior, as well as the pathophysiology, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic management of the illness itself. This progress has led to the development of improved prevention strategies that complement vaccination, though vaccination remains the cornerstone of primary prevention for both immunocompetent and immunocompromised populations. Patients at risk for COVID-19 infection— whether due to having chronic illness, living in crowded conditions, aging, or other factors—may benefit substantially from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) interventions. These patients face elevated risks for contracting COVID-19 and for experiencing severe clinical outcomes, including hospitalization and mortality, when they do. Family medicine clinicians are ideally positioned to provide this care in this regard, as these patients constitute a significant portion of typical family practice populations. This symposium will present evidence-based guidance shared by leading expert clinician-researchers on optimal patient selection and timing for PrEP and PEP interventions, the advantages and limitations of these approaches, and currently available options.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Describe the disease burden of COVID-19
• Evaluate emerging clinical trial data for current and investigational therapies in COVID-19 prophylaxis
• Formulate individualized treatment plans for the prophylaxis of COVID-19

Physicians’ Education Resource^®, LLC, is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Physicians’ Education Resource^®, LLC, designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The AAFP has reviewed A Shield of Protection: Unmet Needs in COVID-19 Prevention and Control and deemed it acceptable for up to 1.00 Live AAFP Prescribed credit(s). Term of Approval is from 10/07/2025 to 10/07/2025. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

AAFP Prescribed credit is accepted by the American Medical Association as equivalent to AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™ toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. When applying for the AMA PRA, Prescribed credit earned must be reported as Prescribed, not as Category 1.