COVID-19 treatment is now used in close contacts without a positive test result

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CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) – As South Carolina continues to see COVID-19 cases escalate, one of the state’s arsenal tools to combat the pandemic can now be used in more people and more places.

Monoclonal antibodies had only been used once a person had tested positive and had a high risk of serious illness, but can now be administered if someone at higher risk has had close contact with someone who has COVID-19. . Dra. Jane Kelly, assistant state epidemiologist in the Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Another change is that antibodies used to be given by IV, but can now be given in what is called a subcutaneous injection, which will make it possible for more medical providers to offer them.

Unlike the antibodies the body makes on its own, these monoclonal antibodies are made in a lab and distributed to help start someone’s immune system, Kelly explained, but they are not a perfect solution because they only last a few. 90 days and are 70% effective in preventing hospitalizations and deaths.

“Monoclonal antibodies are a temporary solution, they are a strong temporary solution, but they will not protect you from future infections and you will have to wait 90 days after receiving them before you can be vaccinated,” he said.

Meanwhile, vaccines help the body produce its own antibodies so it can learn to fight the virus itself, he added.

So far, DHEC said more than 16,000 South Carolinians have obtained monoclonal antibodies, which the agency said prevented at least 2,000 hospitalizations and 200 deaths.

Right now, Kelly said the state has enough to meet current needs.

There are over half a dozen sites where you can get antibodies in Lowcountry and there are more providers requesting treatment.

The current list includes:

MUSC University Hospital

  • Roper Hospital
  • Coastal Pediatrics
  • Omnicare of Charleston
  • Trident Medical Center
  • DaVita Walterboro
  • Bon Secours Roper Hospital St. Francis
  • Williamsburg Regional Hospital
  • Georgetown Memorial Hospital
  • Fresenius Winyah

Click here for the full list.

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