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.