Long-term care facilities to be granted access to monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19, officials say

Some long-term care facilities in New Hampshire will soon have access to a COVID-19 treatment that was available only in hospitals.>> Download the free WMUR appState health officials called it exciting news that this option is now available for long-term care residents to try and stop the progression and serious symptoms of COVID-19. Health officials said facilities will soon be able to access monoclonal antibody treatment, a one-dose IV infusion. Recipients need to be considered high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 or hospitalization. Officials said they hope to start allocating doses next week, though not every facility has the capabilities to use the treatment.“These products are primarily intended for use outside the hospital for people not on oxygen or increased oxygen and who have mild to moderate COVID-19, in order to prevent them from being hospitalized in the future,” State epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan said. Another discussion health officials had was how to respond to long-term care staff concerned about taking the vaccines who may believe in debunked conspiracy theories. “When you hear these theories, hunt them down, figure it out, look for trusted sources that explain the science of why this is true or not true,” Dr. Elizabeth Talbot said. Talbot also spoke to why the vaccines are safe, despite how quickly they are being produced. She pointed to researchers using existing networks, manufacturing the vaccines while still in trials, unprecedented funding and an efficient review process.“No doubt the right talking point is safety and development and implementation has been top priority,” Talbot said. “They are held to the same safety standards as all vaccines.”

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