Monoclonal Antibody Infusion Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is COVID-19 monoclonal therapy?
A. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy, also called monoclonal antibody infusion treatment, is a treatment aimed to prevent hospitalizations, reduce viral loads, and lessen symptom severity.
Q. What are monoclonal antibodies?
A. These are antibodies that are similar to the ones your body would naturally make in response to infection. However, monoclonal antibodies are mass-produced and are designed to recognize a specific component of this virus — the spike protein on its outer shell.
Q. Is monoclonal infusion therapy a substitute for vaccination?
A. No. This therapy can be extremely effective, but it's not a replacement for vaccination.
Q. How is monoclonal antibody therapy administered?
A. Monoclonal antibody therapy is given through intravenous (IV) infusion.
Q. Who is eligible to receive monoclonal antibody therapy?
A. Monoclonal antibody treatment is available to individuals with high risk of developing severe symptoms of COVID-19. High risk includes:
- 65 years of age or older
- Chronic lung diseases
- Sickle cell disease
- Obesity of overweight
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Pregnancy
- Chronic kidney disease
- Hypertension
- Immunosuppressed
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Having a medical-related technological dependence
- High-risk ethnicity groups (Black and Latino)
Q. Where is the North Central Texas regional COVID-19 infusion Center located?
A. It is located in Fort Worth. The center is managed by the Department of State Health Services.
Q. Can anyone with high risk conditions be treated at the Fort Worth Infusion Center?
A. Yes, but only with a doctor’s referral. There is no walk-in availability; all treatments must be scheduled in advance. Consult with your physician to see if you are eligible.
Q: What happens after a physician submits a patient referral?
A: An infusion center representative will contact the patient to schedule the infusion appointment.
Q. What is the name of the monoclonal antibody treatment used at the Fort Worth site?
A. Regeneron. This is an FDA-approved treatment under Emergency Use Authorization.
Q. Is there any cost for the treatment?
A. No. There is no cost to the patient or referring provider.
Q: What is the daily capacity of the regional infusion center?
A: The Fort Worth Infusion Center can support 90 infusions daily.
For additional information visit: https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/news/2021/08/Regional-Infusion-Center-Opens