Sumter Times

Florida Department of Health issued the following annoucement on Aug. 16.

Governor DeSantis announced the opening of a new monoclonal antibody site at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

The site details are below:

Camping World Stadium

1 Citrus Bowl Place

Orlando, FL 32805

Open daily 9 AM – 7 PM

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% reduction in risk for hospitalization and death, and resulted in an 82% 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.

Monoclonal antibody site appointments.

At the direction of Governor DeSantis, the Florida Department of Health and Florida Division of Emergency Management are working together to deploy mobile and stationary monoclonal antibody therapy treatment sites.

Make an appointment at: www.patientportalfl.com.

No prescription or referral required for State of Florida sites.

To support Governor DeSantis’ initiative, there is currently a standing order in Florida signed by the State Surgeon General that allows patients to receive this treatment without a prescription or referral if administered by an eligible health care provider. Such referrals are not required at any of the State of Florida monoclonal antibody treatment sites.

Original source can be found here.