Antibody treatment highly effective against COVID-19 infection

Veterans Health Administration sent this bulletin at 08/17/2021 11:25 AM EDT

Antibody infusion is a very effective treatment for COVID-19. If you've tested positive, are asymptomatic but want to avoid potential hospitalization, contact your Primary Care Team at Dole VA today.

As confirmed cases of COVID-19 are on the rise again in our state and communities, especially the Delta variant, Monoclonal Antibody Infusion Treatment is available at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center.

Antibody infusion has had a 98.6% success rate in preventing hospitalization for those treated in our facility.

Monoclonal Antibody treatment is used only in outpatients who have factors that put them at risk for progression to severe disease/hospitalization. Antibody infusion should be administered as soon as possible after a positive COVID-19 test for asymptomatic patients, and no later than 10 days following symptom onset.

Monoclonal Antibodies are a therapy developed to treat viral infections, including COVID-19.

Patients meeting ANY of the below criteria could qualify:

  • Age 65 years and over 
  • Overweight/Obesity 
  • Diabetes 
  • Chronic kidney disease 
  • Cardiovascular disease (including congenital heart disease) or Hypertension 
  • Chronic lung diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, moderate-to-severe asthma, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension) 
  • An immunocompromising condition or on immunosuppressive treatment
  • Pregnancy
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., cerebral palsy) or other conditions that confer medical complexity (e.g., genetic or metabolic syndromes and severe congenital anomalies) 
  • Medical-related technological dependence (e.g., tracheostomy, gastrostomy, or positive pressure ventilation [not related to COVID-19]) 

Prior receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine should not affect treatment decisions, including the use of and timing of treatment with monoclonal antibodies. However, receiving the COVID-19 vaccine should be deferred for at least 90 days in those who have received antibody infusion treatment for COVID-19.

If you or a Veteran you know has tested positive for COVID-19 and meet the criteria above, contact your Primary Care Team at Dole VA to inquire about Monoclonal Antibody Infusion treatment, or call Dole VA at 1-888-878-6881 and ask for the Viral Clinic.