Published on November 29, 2021
Weld County — The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) recently launched several new monoclonal antibody treatment buses to help expand access to this important outpatient treatment for COVID-19. The monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 work by blocking the virus that causes COVID-19 from entering human cells, making it more difficult for the virus to reproduce and cause harm. Monoclonal antibodies may also neutralize the virus.
“The treatment is provided either intravenously or through a series of shots, either of which occur during a single appointment. The whole process, including post-treatment monitoring, will take 1-2 hours” said Val Smith, PhD, Communicable Disease Supervisor at the Weld County Health Department.
Monoclonal antibodies are indicated for individuals who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, have mild to moderate symptoms, and are at high risk for progression to severe disease. In addition, certain high-risk individuals who are unvaccinated or not expected to adequately respond to vaccination may be eligible for post-exposure prophylaxis with monoclonal antibodies if they have been exposed to COVID-19.
Health officials state that the monoclonal antibody treatment is not a substitute for vaccination against COVID-19; getting vaccinated remains the best defense against getting sick with COVID-19.
Find more information about monoclonal antibody treatment and where the CDPHE treatment bus will be located, including available health care clinics, on the CDPHE website.