Coronavirus: The value of monoclonal antibodies

Even if you are vaccinated, you are at risk of a breakthrough Covid-19 infection, particularly the delta variant which is highly contagious.. Protect yourself as best possible. And, if you get Covid, talk to your doctor about getting monoclonal antibodies. There’s precious little talk about them, even though they can help significantly.

Do you need monoclonal antibodies if you are vaccinated? If you are over 65 or immunocompromised and get Covid, even if you are vaccinated, you should talk to your doctor about getting monoclonal antibodies.

What are monoclonal antibodies? They are proteins made in the lab that get your immune system to keep dangerous viruses like Covid-19 at bay.

If you only have mild Covid symptoms, should you get monoclonal antibodies? People with mild or moderate Covid-19 should talk to their doctor about getting monoclonal antibodies. These antibodies can stave off symptoms of Covid and keep you from hospitalization. People with weakened immune systems often do not generate as strong a response to the Covid vaccine as others and can benefit significantly.

When should you get monoclonal antibodies? If you are diagnosed with Covid, contact your doctor. Especially if you are older, it’s wise to get monoclonal antibodies as soon as possible to prevent hospitalization. Do not wait for your symptoms to get really bad. If you wait too long, you might not be able to get this treatment. It usually is not effective ten days after testing positive for Covid-19.

How quickly do monoclonal antibodies work? They tend to work within hours of getting them. That said, they do not work for everyone.

How much do monoclonal antibodies cost? They are expensive. Regeneron’s monoclonal antibodies cost $2,500. But, most insurance covers them, including Medicare and Medicaid.

Here’s more from Just Care:

• Coronavirus: What will your COVID-19 test cost you?
• Coronavirus: Why aren’t at-home tests easily available and inexpensive?
• Coronavirus: Why you should get a booster shot
• Coronavirus: Get your flu shot early!
• Four things to think about when choosing between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans