[COVID-19 and severe mental illness, especially in clozapine use]

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Clozapine Plus Working Group is frequently consulted for advice on measures in case of infection with SARSCoV-2 and on vaccination against COVID-19 in patients receiving clozapine. AIM: Inform about risks of infection with SARS-CoV-2 in patients with severe mental illness (SMI), patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD), and patients treated with clozapine. Advise on monitoring of clozapine plasma levels and white blood cell count and differential in COVID-19 and after vaccination, as well as measures to be taken.