San Diegans now has an additional option to access treatment that significantly reduces the symptoms of patients with COVID-19, with the opening of a Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Center (MARC) in Chula Vista today.
Treatment is available at no cost regardless of health insurance or immigration status, and no referral from a physician is required. San Diego County and San Ysidro Health worked with federal, state and community partners to open the new facility inside the former Chula Vista No. 5 fire station. This is the second MARC facility in the county.
The FDA has authorized the use of combination monoclonal antibody therapies to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and children. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory proteins that mimic the ability of the immune system to fight viruses. Combination therapy has been shown to significantly reduce hospital visits and death in patients with COVID-19 positive, if administered within 10 days of the onset of symptoms. It can also help people get back to work and their lives without the persistent symptoms of COVID-19.
In early February, Palomar Medical Center Downtown became the first in the county to pursue this model of treatment. Intravenous treatment lasts less than an hour and is for people at high risk for serious COVID-19 complications. Patients or providers can call (619) 685-2500 to schedule an appointment anywhere. The MARC at San Ysidro Health is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.