Antibody therapy now available to high-risk COVID-19 patients in Juneau

Juneau residents who test positive for COVID-19 and are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 may be eligible for monoclonal antibody treatment.

In November 2020, the FDA issued an emergency use authorization for the use of antibodies to treat certain cases of SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This includes patients 65 years of age or older or who have certain chronic medical conditions.

Eligibility for antibody therapy includes:

• Those over 65 years of age with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or chronic respiratory disease
• Those with specific, rare, preexisting conditions
• Those with mild or moderate coronavirus disease
• Those at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization

Please note, individuals over 65 years of age will be prioritized. Generally, a patient is not a candidate for therapy once they have been hospitalized.

Antibody therapy is beneficial only in patients who have been newly infected. Once the body begins producing its own antibodies, antibody therapy loses efficacy. Antibody therapy, if delivered early, has been shown to decrease hospitalizations.

If you or someone you know receives a positive COVID-19 test, contact your primary care provider immediately to evaluate the possibility of receiving monoclonal anti body treatment. If appropriate, your primary care provider will coordinate treatment with Bartlett Regional Hospital.

To learn more about monoclonal antibody therapy, please contact your primary healthcare provider.

If you do not have a primary care provider, please call the Bartlett Regional Hospital Emergency Department at 907-796-8427.

For questions, contact Bartlett Regional Hospital Community Relations Director Katie Bausler at [email protected] or 907-796-8567.