When given early, monoclonal antibody treatment can significantly reduce the risk of experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms and possible hospitalization.

Treatment options are available for those with mild to moderate symptoms. It is best not to postpone treatment and to speak with your health care provider about recommendations for the best treatment option for you, based on your symptoms and your health history.

What are Monoclonal Antibodies?

Your body naturally makes antibodies to fight infection. However, your body may not have antibodies designed to recognize a novel (or new) virus like SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-191.

Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced molecules that may block the virus that causes COVID-19 from attaching to human cells, making it more difficult for the virus to reproduce and cause harm. These antibodies could help the immune system respond more effectively to the virus.2

How are Monoclonal Antibodies different from Vaccines?

Monoclonal Antibody treatment for COVID-19 is different from a COVID-19 vaccine. A vaccine triggers your body’s natural immune response, but can take weeks to develop enough antibodies and prevent some kinds of infection. But if you already have the virus, mAb treatment gives your body the antibodies it needs to protect itself1.

Who can get Monoclonal Antibody treatment?

COVID-19 monoclonal antibody therapeutics may be available to patients who are2:

  • no more than 10 days from symptom onset
  • experiencing mild to moderate symptoms
  • at high risk of developing severe disease
  • COVID-19 vaccinated and unvaccinated
  • age 12 years and older

Why is it important to seek treatment early?

A person may have mild symptoms for about one week, then worsen rapidly. Early treatment with monoclonal antibodies may prevent progressing to more severe disease and hospitalization.

How do I get Monoclonal Antibody treatment?

If you have had a positive COVID-19 test, speak with your health care provider about Monoclonal Antibody treatment options. If your provider determines you would be a candidate for treatment, they will refer you to the nearest treatment location.

References:

  1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES FOR HIGH-RISK COVID-19 POSITIVE PATIENTS.
  2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. COVID-19 Treatments and Therapeutics. Content last reviewed July 30, 2021.

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