Who is eligible for monoclonal antibody treatments?

DETROIT – Henry Ford Health System announced Thursday that it is partnering with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to increase access to monoclonal antibody treatments.

Related: How therapy can help COVID cases in Michigan

This includes opening a new infusion center at the CHASS Center and expanding infusion services at Henry Ford Hospitals in Detroit, Clinton Township and Henry Ford Allegiance in Jackson.

You don’t have to be a patient of Henry Ford to be treated anywhere, but you will need a referral from a doctor.

These drugs have been available under an emergency use authorization since late 2020. Initially, supply was tightly controlled out of concern that there would be high demand. It turns out that there are many stocks and what we need is for patients and doctors to be aware of when they can be used.

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Treatments include Eli Lilly and Company’s Bamlanivimab and Etesevimab and another Regeneron blend cocktail. They are monoclonal antibodies that, when administered as a single IV infusion, immediately provide antibody protection against the ear protein on the surface of COVID-19.

Research into its effectiveness is what has guided the FDA in determining who can and cannot receive medications.

People hospitalized or in need of supplemental oxygen do not meet the requirements for treatment with a monoclonal antibody.

To be eligible for monoclonal antibody treatments, you must have at least one of the following high-risk conditions:

• Obesity

• Diabetes

• Chronic kidney disease

• Immunosuppressive disease

• More than 65 years

People between the ages of 55 and 65 with high blood pressure, heart disease or chronic lung disease are also eligible.

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It can also be given to children between the ages of 12 and 17 who have other very specific medical conditions.

The bottom line is that if you have symptoms, test positive for COVID, and meet any of these criteria, you should contact your doctor to receive a monoclonal antibody treatment infusion.

These treatments are no substitute for vaccination. The best thing for everyone is to prevent COVID from starting and this can only happen with one vaccine. Treatments with monoclonal antibodies are only useful after they have become infected. While they are helpful, even with treatment, many people will get worse.

You can find more information about Henry Ford Health System Monoclonal Antibody Therapy on their official website here.

You can find an infusion site using the National Infusion Center Association locator tool here.

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