Monoclonal Antibody State Bus Adds Resource to the SLV

SLV Health is offering monoclonal antibody therapy at the Respiratory Clinic and requires an appointment by calling ahead. If you feel you are experiencing COVID symptoms, please call SLV Health at (719) 589-3000 and press 9.

The state-led mobile unit offering monoclonal antibody therapy in Alamosa has had a delay and will be starting on Wednesday, December 8, 2021. It will offer treatment through December 22nd, excluding weekends. This therapy must be administered within 10 days of the onset of symptoms. Call 1-877-268-2926 for help making an appointment. You will be screened for eligibility. Monoclonal antibody therapy for COVID-19 also continues to be available through local healthcare providers by physician referral

SLV COVID-19 Public Health Update - November 30, 2021, by Linda Smith, Alamosa County

SAN LUIS VALLEY - The availability of monoclonal antibody therapy (mAb) in the San Luis Valley will be expanded for two weeks with the addition of a state-sponsored bus clinic in Alamosa. This is welcome assistance in our area, given that our hospitals continue to be challenged with a high number of very ill COVID-19 patients, as are hospitals across the state.

Early monoclonal antibody therapy can limit severe COVID-19 illness and hospitalization. It is approved for use to prevent progression of COVID-19 disease in adults and pediatric patients (age 12-17 years old and weighing at least 40 kg) who have tested positive for COVID-19 and:

• Are at high risk of developing severe illness; AND
• Are not yet hospitalized; AND
• Have symptoms that started in the past 10 days.

Your medical provider may help you access monoclonal antibody treatment. Or, you may make an appointment yourself for treatment at a state-led clinic such as the bus mentioned above. A referral is not required, but a medical professional at the state-led clinic will review your self-screening answers to verify you are eligible for treatment. Appointments are required. Call 1-877-268-2926 for help making an appointment. The hotline is available during the day, 7 days a week, and multiple languages are available as well. There is no charge for treatment at state-led clinics. Other providers who offer this treatment do not charge for the medication itself, but they may charge an administration fee.

Monoclonal antibody therapy is not a substitute for vaccination against COVID-19. Getting vaccinated is the best way to keep from getting sick with COVID-19. As of this weekend, almost 51% of the total San Luis Valley population has been fully vaccinated. Boosters are strongly recommended for those who are eligible. COVID-19 vaccines are widely available. For information on where to find COVID-19 testing and vaccines in the San Luis Valley, go to www.slvphp.com or call 719-480-8719.

We have seen a downward trend in COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks, and we do not yet know how the recent holiday weekend may affect case counts in the coming days. If cases continue to drop, the hope is that the critical situation with hospitals will begin to ease soon. The new Omicron variant has raised many questions and concerns, but for the present people should continue the same COVID-19 prevention measures of wearing masks in public indoor spaces, social distancing, staying home when you are sick, and getting vaccinated. Personal responsibility is key.