FESTUS, Mo. (Aug. 30, 2021) – Mercy Hospital Jefferson will host on its campus one of the five monoclonal antibody infusion centers established by the state of Missouri.
As announced by Gov. Mike Parson’s office, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services agreed to a contract with SLSCO to provide monoclonal antibody infusion treatments for 30 days. Missouri committed $15 million to staff, equip and supply the regional infusion centers. Missouri Hospital Jefferson was chosen as one of the sites in coordination with the Jefferson County Health Department.
The center will provide Regen-COV for outpatients with COVID-19 to aid in their recovery and prevent hospitalization. The experimental treatment approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration combines two antibodies, casirivimab and imdevimab, to help a patient’s immune system fight the infection.
According to the FDA, in a clinical trial of patients with COVID-19, casirivimab and imdevimab, administered together, were shown to reduce COVID-19 related hospitalization and ER visits in patients at high risk for disease progression.
“Providing antibody infusion is a wonderful opportunity for our Jefferson County community. This treatment has been shown to be beneficial for patients who are identified early in the disease process and who are at high risk of poor outcomes,” said Dr. Karthik Iyer, chief medical officer for Mercy Hospital Jefferson.
The regional infusion center will be located in building on the Mercy Jefferson campus outside of the hospital. Patients undergoing care at this location will have their own dedicated entrance with the first treatments planned for Wednesday, Sept 1.
“Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 should discuss with their primary care physician whether they qualify for this treatment,” Dr. Iyer said.
Missouri has set up a phone number for referrals to this regional infusion center. That number is 660-829-6647. Patients and physicians can call this number for referrals to the infusion center or with any questions.
Patients must meet eligibility requirements laid out in Missouri’s standing order. Patients must be at least 12 years old and meet one of the following criteria to be referred:
Are 65 years or older
Have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25
Is pregnant
Have chronic kidney disease
Have diabetes
Have immunosuppressive disease
Are currently receiving immunosuppressive treatment
Have cardiovascular disease
Have hypertension (high blood pressure)
Have chronic lung disease including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, interstitial lung disease and cystic fibrosis
Have sickle cell disease
Have neurodevelopmental disorders, such as cerebral palsy
Have a medical-related technological dependence, such as tracheostomy and gastrostomy
After treatment, patients should continue to self-isolate and use infection control measures including wearing a mask, social distancing, avoiding sharing of personal items, cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces and frequent hand washing until they have been cleared by their physician.
Click here for more information from the FDA.