The Monoclonal Antibody Infusion for Covid Patients is Preventing Hospitalizations

EUREKA, Calif. (KIEM)- The CDC recommends the Pfizer vaccine booster shot to people over the age of 65 and those with underlying health conditions.

Covid cases in Humboldt County have gone down after a brief spike. Dr. Roberta Luskin-Hawk believes it’s because of additional immunity treatment to high risk patients who have tested positive for Covid-19. 

“It’s a medicine called monoclonal antibody. this monoclonal antibody clinic it’s an infusion. If a patient gets covid and we know they’re at high risk for progression to hospitalization and even death, they come in and get this infusion,” said Dr. Roberta Luskin-Hawk, Chief Executive, St. Joseph Hospital.

Over 60 patients are reported to have this infusion none of them have been hospitalized thus far.

“We’ve had deaths with people in their 30s. It’s hard to understand where you would fit if you are a healthy 30 year old. Normally, we wouldn’t recommend this to them, only people who are much older and more sick. We  are still trying to understand where to draw the line, if there is one,” said Dr. Luskin-Hawk.

The Monoclonal Antibody infusion can be given to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals who fall under the category of high risk.

Because a large portion of residents in the Humboldt area still have not gotten vaccinated, Dr. Luskin-Hawk states this additional treatment is providing balance at the Providence St. Joseph’s Hospital. There are less Covid hospitalizations which is leaving beds open for people with other medical reasons.