DHH - Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals

09/13/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/13/2021 12:49

Louisiana increases community-based locations for COVID-19 treatments

Baton Rouge, La. (September 13, 2021) - The Louisiana Department of Health has opened two new federally supported monoclonal antibody therapy (mAb) treatment sites and is on track to open three additional sites this week.

Each site will be open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with an ability to serve more than 150 patients daily per site.

The first two federally supported mAb sites that opened on Sunday, September 12 are:

  • Rayne Civic Center: 400 Frog Festival Drive, Rayne, LA 70578
  • Leesville Hospital: 810 S. 10th St., Leesville, LA 71496

Three additional sites are set to open this week:

  • Clinton Alternative Learning Center (Sept. 14): 9414 Plank Road, Clinton, LA 70722
  • Rapides Coliseum (Sept. 15): 5600 Coliseum Blvd., Alexandria, LA 71303
  • Burton Coliseum (Sept. 16): 7001 Gulf Highway, Lake Charles, LA 70607

Louisiana received its first allocation of monoclonal antibodies on November 12, 2020, and began administering to positive, symptomatic patients immediately.

LDH's Bureau of Community Preparedness has led the effort to select qualified contractors who can quickly develop and staff the federally-supported sites - infusion centers - where mAb treatments will be offered. In addition to the federally-supported sites, there are 102 providers statewide that had received mAb shipments they could administer as treatment.

During the week of August 23, LDH recorded an all-time high of 7,137 treatments administered.

Monoclonal antibodies are man-made antibodies produced in a laboratory that can mimic the human immune system response to infection. mAbs are designed to block viral attachment and entry into human cells, thus neutralizing the virus that causes COVID-19.

Patients need to be referred by their doctor or other healthcare provider to a facility that offers mAb therapy such as a hospital or an infusion center. Those without a provider can be referred by an urgent care, community clinic, emergency department, hospitalist, etc.

Patients with a positive COVID-19 viral test should speak with their healthcare provider to determine whether they are eligible for mAb treatment and to discuss potential benefits and side effects.

Monoclonal antibody treatments may be used for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients who are within 10 days of the start of their symptoms, at least 12 years of age or older and weigh at least 40 kilograms (88 pounds), and are at a high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization.

A call center is also available to answer questions and provide information related to monoclonal antibody therapeutic treatments at 1-877-332-6585 (English language); 1-877-366-0310 (Spanish language).

Eligibility criteria

In order to be eligible for mAb treatment, the patient must meet all of the following:

  • Have a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 (molecular/PCR or antigen)
  • Are within 10 days of the start of their symptoms
  • Are at least 12 years of age or older and weigh at least 40 kilograms (88 pounds)
  • Are at a high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization

Patients are reminded the procedure takes at least two hours. This includes 30 minutes to receive the infusion, then 1.5 hours of observation.

For patients who are taking medications, they should take their regular doses before treatment. It is also OK to eat before the treatment.

For more information about mAbs, visit this site.

About the Louisiana Department of Health

The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state residents. The Louisiana Department of Health includes the Office of Public Health, Office of Aging & Adult Services, Office of Behavioral Health, Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, and Healthy Louisiana (Medicaid). To learn more, visit www.ldh.la.gov or follow us on Twitter, Facebook or our blog.

Media Contacts:

Mindy Faciane, Public Information Officer

Kevin Litten, Communications Strategist