Monoclonal Antibody Infusions
ACMH is pleased to be among the health care organizations in Pennsylvania offering monoclonal antibody treatment, which is authorized by the FDA for emergency use in the treatment of COVID-19.
A doctor's order is required to receive treatment. Contact your physician to see if you qualify, and your provider will schedule your appointment at the outpatient infusion center located in the ACMH Health and Wellness Education Pavilion, 79 Glade Drive, Kittanning, PA.
Monoclonal Antibodies
Antibodies are proteins made by your body's immune system that fight off infections, including infections caused by viruses. Your body can remember how to make antibodies if you are exposed to the same germ again.
Monoclonal antibodies are just like your body's antibodies but selected for their strong ability to resist the virus. They are produced like a medication and help your body fight illness. In 2020, the Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization to permit monoclonal antibodies as a treatment option for COVID-19.
THE MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY TREATMENT PROCESS
After entering your body, monoclonal antibodies look for and attach to the spike protein that sticks out of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
When monoclonal antibodies attach to the spike protein, they can block the virus's ability to enter cells — and slow down the infection.
In 2020, the FDA authorized several different monoclonal antibodies to treat COVID-19.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY TREATMENT
According to a study from the New England Journal of Medicine, early clinical data show that monoclonal antibodies can successfully reduce COVID-19 hospitalization rates. Clinical trials have shown that these treatments can decrease hospitalizations and emergency department visits. They can also reduce the amount of virus found in an infected person's blood.
Health officials continue to monitor the safety and effectiveness of the treatments, and clinical trials are ongoing.
Monoclonal Antibody Treatment at ACMH
Eligibility for monoclonal antibody treatment:
- Symptom onset not more than 7 days prior
- Patient is currently symptomatic and not hypoxic (does not require supplemental 02 beyond baseline)
- Positive Covid-19 test (antigen or PC) by a medical institution (no home test)
Primary Consideration:
- Pregnant
- Current Cancer Treatment
- Solid Organ Transplant Recipient
- Hematopoetic Cell Transplant Recipient
- Severe Primary Immunodeficiency
- AIDS (CD4<200 or <15%)
- Age 65 or older with loss of 2 or more ADLs Bathing, Eating, Dressing, Transferring, Toileting, Continence
Secondary Consideration:
- Age 75 or older and unvaccinated
- Age 65 or older unvaccinated with evidence of clinical risk factors
- Age 65 or older unvaccinated
- Under age 65, unvaccinated with evidence of clinical risk factors
- Age 75 or older vaccinated
- Age 65 or older vaccinated with evidence of clinical risk factors
- Age 65 or older vaccinated
- Under age 65 vaccinated with evidence of clinical risk factors
Contact your doctor to be evaluated and learn if you qualify for monoclonal antibody treatment at ACMH.
A doctor’s order is required to receive treatment. Once evaluated, your provider will schedule the appointment with the infusion center, and provide you with a date and time for you to come in for your treatment. Outpatient antibody infusions are administered at the ACMH Health and Wellness Education Pavilion located at 79 Glade Drive, Kittanning, PA.