STATE HEALTH NEWS — Getting notification of a positive COVID-19 test can be a scary and confusing time but if you test positive, there is one thing you can do to keep you out of a local hospital, monoclonal antibody treatment, and it’s readily available throughout the state for free.

The state of Tennessee now offers free, monoclonal antibody treatments to anyone with a positive test that does not require hospitalization. If you have mild to moderate symptoms, you can visit one of the dozens of infusion sites across the state including South Tennessee Regional Health Systems in Winchester, Vanderbilt Tullahoma, and Unity Medical Center in Manchester to receive treatment with little to no out-of-pocket costs.

Tennessee Health Commissioner Lisa Piercy says as the rate of hospitalizations rise and available beds become hard to find, it’s very important for locals to take advantage of this potentially life-saving treatment, which works by giving the body extra antibodies that can prevent the virus from escalating. Those who are overweight, have high blood pressure, diabetes, or other risk factors should get treatment right away.

What are monoclonal antibodies?

Monoclonal antibody treatments are laboratory-made proteins that work in your body by attaching to parts of the virus and helping your immune system respond more quickly to fight it. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) for two monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19 for people at high risk of getting very sick. Casirivimab/imdevimab (REGEN-COV®) by Regeneron is a monoclonal antibody that is authorized for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in non-hospitalized adult and pediatric patients. Early studies suggest some people may benefit from monoclonal antibody treatment soon after they’re infected with COVID-19 and may have a lower risk of hospitalization, according to the state department of health.

Who can take monoclonal antibodies?

Any person who receives a positive COVID-19 test can receive monoclonal antibodies including pediatric patients as long as long as you do not require hospitalization and are experiencing only mild to moderate symptoms. Those experiencing severe symptom should seek treatment at an area hospital.

When should I take monoclonal antibodies?

Monoclonal Antibody Treatments are most effective if taken between seven and 10 days after symptoms begin. They are available in an outpatient basis and do not require hospitalization.

Where can I get Monoclonal Antibody Treatment?

In Tennessee, some primary care providers may have access to infusions and they should be your first call. If they do not have treatments available, they can refer you to the nearest infusion sites including South Tennessee Regional Health Systems in Winchester, Vanderbilt Tullahoma, and Unity Medical Center in Manchester to receive treatment with little to no out-of-pocket costs.

Is it FDA approved?

No. But like the COVID-19 vaccine the treatment has received emergency use authorization for use as a preventive for COVID-19 after exposure for both adults and pediatric individuals (12 years of age and older). It is not approved for use as a pre-exposure preventative. {To read the full FDA authorizing statement, click here.}

To learn more about the antibody treatment, visit the Tennessee Department of Health website by clicking here. •

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