Coronavirus | mAb-for-COVID

Monoclonal Antibody Treatment for COVID-19

Have Questions? Call us at 314.236.0125, option 2

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 are 12 years of age or older (and at least 88 pounds), meet one of the following criteria:

  • You’ve tested positive for COVID-19 and your symptoms began in the past 10 days
  • OR if you're not fully vaccinated or are immunocompromised and you've been exposed to COVID-19 within the last 7 days

AND are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms due to one of the following:

  • Older age
  • 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.

mAb fact sheet thumbnail imageDownload the information sheet.

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

If you think you might be eligible, you should:

1

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

2

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

Have questions? Call us at 314-236-0125, option 2

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
  • OR if you've been exposed to COVID-19 within the last 7 days and are not fully vaccinated or are immunocompromised, 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.

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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.

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Where can I get the 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.

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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.

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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

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

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

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What if I’ve been exposed to COVID-19?

You may be eligible for mAbs even if you haven’t tested positive. The treatment is now being used as a post-exposure prophylaxis*. If you've been exposed to COVID-19 within the last 7 days, are in a high-risk category and you are not fully vaccinated or are immunocompromised, you may qualify for mAbs.

The FDA has recently authorized the monoclonal antibody treatment for prevention of COVID-19. Visit the FDA website for the most recent updates.

*Prophylaxis with REGEN-COV is not a substitute for vaccination against COVID-19.

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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.