UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester is partnering with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to expand access to the COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatments, according to a press announcement Wednesday.
Starting July 14, the center will start administering the therapies at its Hahnemann campus in Worcester for people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are at high risk of developing severe illness.
Patients must call the center to confirm eligibility and book an appointment. A mobile unit on the hospital grounds devoted to administering the treatment will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Studies have shown the antibody treatment can significantly lessen the severity of the disease and prevent hospitalization, according to the press release. It is a one-time, intravenous infusion and must be administered within 10 days of showing symptoms to be most effective.
The medical center will host an event on-site announcing the new treatment clinic, with a list of speakers including UMass Memorial Medical Center President Dr. Michael Gustafson and Congressman Jim Mcgovern (D-Worcester).
