Monoclonal Antibody Treatment for COVID-19

How the treatment works | How to get treatment | Treatment locations

Monoclonal Antibodies are an effective treatment for COVID-19

In high risk patients, monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment has been shown to help keep you from getting sicker and going to the hospital.

Are you eligible for mAbs?

You may be eligible for monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment, if you have tested positive for COVID-19, your symptoms began in the past 10 days and you meet one of the following criteria:

Older age
Younger than one year old
Overweight
Pregnancy
Chronic kidney disease
Diabetes
Weakened immune system
Currently receiving immunosuppressive treatment
Cardiovascular disease or hypertension
Chronic lung disease
Sickle cell disease
Neurodevelopmental disorders
Medical-related technological dependence

Not sure if you qualify?

Contact your healthcare provider to see if you’re eligible for mAbs.

How the treatment works

mAbs are man-made proteins designed to fight off the virus that causes COVID-19. The treatment takes only one visit and is given through a vein (intravenous or IV) over 30 minutes, followed by a one-hour observation period. Including registration and preparation, you should plan to spend approximately three hours at the infusion center.

Download the information sheet.

How to get treatment – a doctor’s order is required

If you think you might be eligible, you should:

Talk to your doctor, schedule a virtual visit or visit convenient care to see if you meet the criteria.

Once your doctor puts in an order for the treatment, we will contact you to schedule your appointment.

Locations for Treatment

You must have a doctor’s order and an appointment to receive treatment at any one of BJC’s locations around the region, including: Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Christian Hospital, Parkland Health Center, Progress West Hospital, and Memorial Hospital Belleville.

If you have an appointment, visit our mAB locations page for details and instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I get the treatment?

If you’re in a high-risk category and:

You’ve had symptoms for 10 days or less and tested positive for COVID-19, you may be eligible

It is a one-time infusion treatment that takes 30 minutes, with an observation time afterward. Talk to your doctor to find out if monoclonal antibody treatment is right for you.

What if I’ve been vaccinated? Can I still get the treatment?

Yes. If you get COVID-19 despite vaccination, you may receive the treatment.

Where can I get the treatment?

If you have an appointment, visit our mAb locations page for details and instructions.

What are the chances it will work?

Scientific studies showed that high-risk COVID-19 patients treated with mAbs had a 70% reduction in relative risk for progression to severe disease and/or hospitalization compared to patients who did not receive mAbs.

If I get the mAb treatment, do I still have to isolate?

Yes. You must follow isolation requirements to protect yourself and others.

Isolation requirements

Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I receive mAbs?

Yes, but you should wait 90 days after treatment to get the vaccine.

How much will it cost?

The cost of the monoclonal antibody product is free, even if you are uninsured. Medicare and most state Medicaid plans also cover the costs of the infusion. Some patients with commercial insurance plans may have out-of-pocket costs associated with the infusion.