Who is eligible for monoclonal antibody treatments?

DETROIT Henry Ford Health System announced Thursday that it is working with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to increase access to monoclonal antibody treatments.

Related: How Therapy Can Help Michigan’s COVID Cases

These include the opening of a new infusion center at CHASS Center and the expansion of infusion services at Henry Ford Hospitals in Detroit, Clinton Township and Henry Ford Allegiance in Jackson.

You do not have to be a Henry Ford patient to be treated at any of the sites, but you will need a referral from a doctor.

These drugs have been available since an emergency permit since the end of 2020. Initially, supply was strictly controlled over concerns that there would be a huge demand. It seems that there is enough stock and that patients and doctors need to be aware of when it can be used.

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The treatments include Bamlanivimab and Etesevimab from Eli Lilly and Company and another combination cocktail from Regeneron. These are monoclonal antibodies that, when given as a single IV infusion, provide immediate antibody protection against the protein on the surface of COVID-19.

The research on its effectiveness is what led the FDA to determine who may or may not receive the medicine.

Those admitted to hospital or in need of supplemental oxygen do not qualify for treatment with a monoclonal antibody.

To qualify for monoclonal antibody treatments, you must have at least one of the following high-risk conditions:

• Obesity

• Diabetes

• Chronic kidney disease

• Immunosuppressive disease

• More than 65 years old

People between the ages of 55-65 with high blood pressure, heart or chronic lung disease are also eligible.

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It can also be given to children between the ages of 12-17 who have other very specific medical conditions.

The bottom line is that if you have symptoms, are positive for COVID and meet one of these criteria, you should contact your doctor about the referral for an infusion of monoclonal antibodies.

These treatments are not a substitute for vaccination. The best thing for everyone is to prevent COVID from starting and this can only happen with a vaccine. Monoclonal antibody treatments are only useful after you become infected. Although helpful, even with treatment, many people will get worse.

More information on the Henry Ford Health System monoclonal antibody therapy can be found on the official website here.

You can find an infusion site using the National Infusion Center Association localization tool.

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