Monoclonal Antibody Infusion for COVID-19: Things you should know

Should you get the COVID-19 vaccine if you have been treated with monoclonal antibodies?

If you have been treated with monoclonal antibody infusion, you may be wondering whether you should also get the COVID-19 vaccine to further keep yourself healthy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend waiting 90 days after receiving monoclonal antibody infusion to get the COVID-19 vaccine. After that waiting period, you may be vaccinated without a problem. It is recommended that you get the COVID-19 vaccination to prevent reinfection or infection of another variant of COVID-19. If you have additional questions about monoclonal antibody infusion and the COVID-19 vaccine, feel free to talk to one of our doctors to determine the right option for your individual needs.

How long do you have antibodies after Covid?

After you have COVID-19, antibodies from the virus remain in your body. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are stable for about seven months following your infection. Studies have shown that after six to eight months of the symptoms’ onset, the antibodies begin to decline. At this point, the antibodies are no longer present and no longer have a chance to protect the body from reinfection. Patients who were symptomatic and patients who were asymptomatic have the antibodies for the same duration of time following infection. It is not known whether antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 will protect you from being reinfected.

Can monoclonal antibody products be used to treat COVID-19?

Monoclonal antibody infusions cannot be used to treat COVID-19, but they can reduce the impact of a patient’s infection. Monoclonal antibody infusions are used for high-risk patients to lower the risk of a severe COVID-19 infection and hospitalization. Getting monoclonal antibody infusions doesn’t eliminate the virus but can make the infection less dangerous for high-risk people. If you have been exposed to COVID-19, monoclonal antibodies can be used to stop the infection before it spreads throughout your body. In short, monoclonal antibody products work to prepare your body to fight off the infection for better results and fewer hospitalizations. You may still have COVID-19, but it will be less severe.

What should you know about monoclonal antibody therapies for pediatric and adult patients?

Monoclonal antibody therapies are available for both pediatric and adult patients. The FDA authorized the use of monoclonal antibody infusions for select patients. Monoclonal antibody therapies are safe for patients who are 12 years and older. Patients who fall into specific high-risk categories may get monoclonal antibody therapies, regardless of their age. This is a great option for reducing the impact of COVID-19 on certain patients, depending on their health risks, and can prevent severe cases of COVID-19 and hospitalization. Our doctors can tell you more about eligibility and whether you or your child can benefit from monoclonal antibody therapies.

Who is eligible for monoclonal antibodies?

Monoclonal antibody infusion is authorized for use in a couple of situations. To qualify, you must be a high-risk person who has tested positive for COVID-19 or a high-risk person who has been exposed to COVID-19. If you have a mild or moderate case of COVID-19 and want to receive antibody infusions, you must test positive, have symptoms for less than 10 days, not be hospitalized, and be at risk for your symptoms to worsen. If you have been vaccinated for COVID-19, you may be eligible to get monoclonal antibody infusion.

What are monoclonal antibodies side effects?

Before you receive monoclonal antibody therapy, you may want to learn more about the possible side effects so you can know how you may be affected by the infusions. The antibodies are proteins, which may cause a reaction similar to an allergic reaction. This is why it’s important to receive monoclonal antibody infusions in a healthcare setting where you may receive the appropriate treatment in response to a reaction. Most side effects occur when the infusions are being administered, so they can be noticed and treated right away.

Possible side effects include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Weakness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Low blood pressure
• Rashes

Does treatment work?

Yes, monoclonal antibody infusions have been effective at lessening COVID-19 symptoms and severity. When your symptoms are less severe and the infection is managed, you can reduce your chances of needing to be hospitalized. Monoclonal antibodies work by giving your body what it needs to fend off the infection. Monoclonal antibody infusion is an important part of keeping yourself safe and healthy if you have been exposed to COVID-19 or tested positive for COVID-19. In addition to monoclonal antibody infusion, our doctors recommend the COVID-19 vaccination to fully protect yourself against the virus, reduce your risks of hospitalization, and control the spread of the virus in the community.

How are monoclonal antibodies given?

Monoclonal antibodies are given to the patient by intravenous (IV) infusion. The IV is inserted into a vein so the antibodies can enter the bloodstream. This is the fastest way for patients to receive the benefits of the antibodies. You can only receive monoclonal antibody infusions in a healthcare setting. This is because our staff is trained to handle reactions that may occur. Our emergency room is equipped to care for patients if there are any negative effects. Reactions are rare, but receiving monoclonal antibodies in a healthcare setting keeps you safe in case you notice any concerning signs after the infusion.

What is the cost for monoclonal antibody infusion?

You may be wondering what to expect when it’s time to pay for monoclonal antibody infusion. The infusion is covered by most insurance policies from many different providers. At Memorial Village Emergency Room, we file for IN-NETWORK ER benefits. If you don’t have insurance, let us know and we can give you more details about our accepted methods of payment.

Do I need to make an appointment for infusion at Memorial Village Emergency Room?

Please call daily to see if supplies are available.