At yesterday’s press conference, Governor Larry Hogan stated that “Monoclonal antibody therapy is available at more than 80 facilities statewide, and health officials have directed clinicians to step up their utilization of this treatment.”
Below, we have more information on what Monoclonal antibodies are and how they can be used to fight Covid, per the State of Maryland:
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins to fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Although it is not a cure, treatment may lessen the severity of symptoms and help keep high-risk patients out of the hospital.
Talk to your health care provider as soon as you test positive for COVID-19 so they can determine if monoclonal antibodies are the right treatment for you.
Where treatment is available
There are more than 80 monoclonal antibody treatment facilities in Maryland. Your healthcare provider can refer you to a facility based on availability. Search to find potential locations near you. Patients should coordinate with their respective physician or care provider before contacting a location to schedule an appointment.
If you do not have a healthcare provider, contact eVisit to schedule a virtual appointment. If it is determined you are eligible, you will be referred to an infusion site for treatment.
For those without internet access or a healthcare provider, please contact the Maryland Department of Health at 410-649-6122. You may ask to speak with a clinician, who will review your eligibility for monoclonal antibody treatment. If you are eligible, they will either schedule you for infusion treatment at one of the state sites or refer you to another site based on your location.
Are you eligible for treatment?
You may be eligible for monoclonal antibody treatment if you recently tested positive for COVID-19, or were recently exposed, and are at a greater risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms.
Not sure if you qualify? Answer the following below to find out:
- Do you weigh more than 88 lbs and are you older than 12?
- Do you have any of these health conditions or characteristics?
- 65+
- Overweight (BMI over 25)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
- Weakened immune system
- Currently receiving immunosuppressive treatment
- Cardiovascular disease/hypertension
- Chronic lung disease
- Sickle cell disease
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Medical-related technological dependence
- Pregnant
- Have you received a positive COVID-19 test result in the last 10 days?
If you answered YES to the above, you may be eligible for monoclonal antibody treatment. A doctor will need to confirm if you qualify.
If you have no symptoms, but have been exposed in the past four days to a known or suspected case of COVID-19 and are in one of the following categories, you may be eligible for treatment to prevent COVID-19:
- Are not fully vaccinated
- Are vaccinated but not expected to have an adequate immune response to the vaccine
- Are in a congregate living situation such as a nursing home or prison
Please note that monoclonal antibody treatment is not a substitute for vaccination.
How treatment is initiated
- You test positive for COVID-19 within the last 10 days or have been exposed to a person with COVID-19.
- Eligible patients receive a referral from a healthcare provider to a convenient facility.
- The administration facility contacts the patient to schedule an appointment.
- mAb administration takes up to an hour with an observation time afterward.
While monoclonal antibody treatment is free if you meet the requirements, there may be an administration fee. Please check with your insurance provider.
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FREE Shred Day
Join us at Lafayette Federal Credit Union for a Free Community Shred Day, an event dedicated to helping you protect your privacy and the environment! Bring your old bank statements, bills, medical records, and any other paper documents that need secure disposal, and we'll take care of them on the spot.
Why You Should Come:
Protect Your Privacy: Safely shred sensitive documents to help prevent identity theft.
Eco-Friendly: All shredded material will be recycled, supporting our commitment to sustainability.
Complimentary Breakfast: Enjoy a free breakfast on us--start your day right with good food and good company!
Exciting Giveaways & Prizes: Don't miss out on giveaways and be sure to enter our drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 gift cards.
This event is open to all! It's a fantastic opportunity to clean out those old documents cluttering up your home, safe in the knowledge that they will be disposed of securely. Plus, it's completely free!
Don't miss out on this chance to declutter safely, enjoy some free treats, and possibly win a great prize. We look forward to seeing you there, rain or shine!
For more information, contact us at www.lfcu.events/shred.
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
