FREE COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatment available daily at the Bay County Fairgrounds. The State of Florida has opened a NEW monoclonal antibody treatment site in Bay County at the Bay County Fairgrounds, located at 2230 E. 15th St.
Panama City, FL 32405. This site has the capacity to serve some 300 patients per day and is open daily, including weekends, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The site accepts walk-in patients or you may make an appointment online at www.patientportalfl.com.
How do monoclonal antibodies work?
Monoclonal antibodies help the immune system recognize and respond more effectively to the COVID-19 virus. Monoclonal antibodies are a treatment authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for use in adult and pediatric patients (12 and older) who have either been diagnosed or exposed to someone with COVID-19 and are at high risk for progression to severe illness, hospitalization, or death from COVID-19. In clinical trials, this treatment resulted in a 70-percent reduction in risk for hospitalization and death and resulted in an 82-percent reduction in risk for contracting COVID-19 for people who were exposed to the virus by other members of their household.
When is the best time to get this treatment?
The treatment is most effective when given early and the sooner it is given the better. There is not a time limit to receive the medication, however it must be delivered prior to the occurrence of severe illness. This treatment is available to all eligible people, regardless of vaccination status. High-risk patients should get treatment as quickly as possible after testing positive for COVID-19. Examples of medical conditions that may pose a higher risk for severe illness and could potentially benefit from this treatment include, but are not limited to:
* Older age (65 years of age and older)
* Individuals overweight
* Chronic kidney disease
* Diabetes
* Pregnancy
* Immunosuppressive disease or treatments
* Cardiovascular disease
* Chronic lung diseases
* Sickle cell disease
* Neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy
* Having medical-related technological dependence such as tracheostomy or gastrostomy
How much will it cost?
There is no cost for the treatment. No one will be denied services due to inability to pay for administrative cost at State of Florida sites. However, insurance can be billed if available.
No doctor's prescription or referral is required for this treatment. Treatment is available by either infusion or a series of four small injections. Medical personnel on site will discuss treatment options with patients. For more information about monoclonal therapy, visit
https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/monoclonal-antibody-therapy/