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Postexposure Evaluation and Follow-up

Course Number: 472

Healthcare-associated Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 Virus

The COVID 19 pandemic is caused by the novel SARS‑CoV‑2 virus. SARS CoV 2 is transmitted from person-to-person primarily by inhalation of airborne droplets or nuclei generated by coughing or sneezing.14 HCP should monitor and follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for infection control, the appropriate use of personal protective equipment, and vaccination.

Currently, there are three vaccines authorized or approved for use in the United States to protect against COVID-19: the mRNA vaccines Cominarty (Pfizer-BioNTech) and Spikevax (Moderna) and the recombinant spike protein with matrix-M1 adjuvant vaccine (Novavax).14 There are currently no COVID-19 PEP agents proven to be effective in reducing SARS-CoV-2 infection.14