Monoclonal Antibody Infusion
Monoclonal Antibody Infusions Available at Memorial Hospital
What is Monoclonal Antibody Therapy?
Monoclonal antibody infusions are a way of treating COVID-19. This treatment helps prevent hospitalizations by reducing the severity of symptoms. This type of therapy relies on monoclonal antibodies.
These are antibodies that are similar to the ones your body would naturally make in response to infection, but are mass-produced in a laboratory and are designed to recognize this virus. This treatment can be extremely effective, but it’s not a replacement for vaccination.
Who is Eligible to Receive Monoclonal Antibody Therapy?
Monoclonal antibody treatment is available to individuals who:
- Tested positive for COVID-19
- Signs and symptoms within the past 10 days
- 18 years of age or older with a risk factor for progression of disease
- Mild to moderate symptoms
- No recent hospitalization related to COVID
- Not requiring oxygen therapy
- Are potentially high-risk***
***High risk includes any of the following:
- 65+ years of age
- Obesity
- Pregnant
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
- Weakened immune system
- Currently receiving immunosuppressive treatment
- Pulmonary diseases
- Cardiovascular disease/hypertension
- Sickle cell disease
When Should You Get an Infusion Treatment?
Especially for high-risk patients, by receiving treatment earlier, when symptoms are less severe, the probability for being hospitalized from COVID-19 is greatly reduced, so you want to get an infusion as early as possible.
How Does Monoclonal Antibody Infusion Work?
Monoclonal antibody infusion treatment is administered through an intravenous (IV) infusion that takes about 30 minutes to administer, followed by an hour of observation for any side effects. One possible side effect of monoclonal antibody therapy is an allergic reaction. These reactions typically only occur during infusion or soon after, and your care team will closely monitor for any signs of an allergic reaction.
Schedule Your Monoclonal Antibody Infusion
If you’ve been diagnosed with COVID-19, don’t wait to get your infusion. Make an appointment for your infusion by calling (228) 867-5000.
Directions to the Monoclonal Antibody Infusion Clinic
The clinic is currently located in Memorial Hospital at Gulfport. For Monoclonal Antibody Infusions, patients need to park on the third floor of the parking garage and then call (228) 575-1991 for further instructions. Signage is available to guide you.