Monoclonal Antibody Treatment
Bay Colony Pediatrics is pleased to announce that we are now offering Bebtelovimab Monoclonal Antibodies (mAB) for people positive with COVID-19.
It is the only approved mAB treatment that fights the COVID Omicron BA.2, the BA.4, and the BA.5 variants. The latter two variants are significantly increasing in our region, and the current COVID vaccines and infection acquired immunity appear to not be very effective at preventing new infection. Click here for more info.
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Monoclonal antibodies are lab-made proteins that mimic your immune system’s ability to fight off viruses. Early treatment is the key to effectiveness and must be given within 7 days of symptoms onset, and as soon as you test positive.
Unlike the other mAB treatments, family members in same household as a COVID-19 positive ​patient CANNOT receive this treatment to prevent COVID.
We are doing this at our Bay Colony Medical Center location. Call or text us on 346-955-3516 or call us on 281-614-2445 and select Option 1 for appointments.
This treatment should not be used as a substitute for the COVID-19 vaccine. With a vaccine, it may take months to develop your antibodies. With mAB, you are given immediate antibodies that you can use to fight off your current, active infection. After receiving a vaccine, your body is able to continue producing antibodies which gives you a long lasting immunity. After a mAB IV push, your body receives a fixed amount of antibodies. Your immunity is temporary.
This treatment is available if you have tested positive for COVID and have mild to moderate COVID symptoms and are in the "high-risk" category and for whom alternative COVID-19 treatment options are not accessible or clinically appropriate. The treatment is given to only those who meet one of the following criteria:
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Have tested positive for COVID-19 (PCR or Antigen, no home tests)
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Come in within 7 days from first symptoms experienced. Earlier the better.
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Be 65 years or older OR be 12-64 years old and have any of the following "high-risk" conditions (refer to the CDC guidelines):​
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Diabetes
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Heart Disease/Hypertension
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Lung Disease (e.g. COPD/Emphysema, Asthma, Pulmonary Hypertension)
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Immunosuppressed (e.g. cancer)
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Neurodevelopmental Disorders (e.g. Cerebral Palsy, etc.)
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Medical Devices (e.g. Tracheostomy, Gastrostomy Tube, etc.)
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Sickle Cell Disease
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Chronic Kidney Disease
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Obesity (BMI percentile > 85%)
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High-risk ethnic and socio-economic groups
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You CANNOT get this treatment if:
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If you did not test for COVID or are negative for COVID
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Have no symptoms
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You come in more than 7 after your symptoms have started
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If you have SEVERE COVID-19 & are receiving oxygen therapy
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Hospitalized for COVID
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Pregnant
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Less than 12 years of age
Read Before Scheduling
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You will need to show a copy of your COVID-19 PCR test results, showing your name and date of results. (Cannot be a home test.)
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You will be in the treatment area for approximately one hour, including the time for safety observation after the treatment.
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Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time.
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Bay Colony Pediatrics is not billing for the cost of the medication. However, there might be a charge for the administration of the therapy. Many insurance providers cover this cost. Managed care plans may require a referral authorization prior to administration; please check with your insurance provider and obtain a referral prior to scheduling if required by your plan.
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The treatment is administered through an IV push. The medication we use is 175 mg of Bebtelovimab. The IV push takes 30 seconds and we will need to observe you for an hour.
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Risks are minimal, with soreness at the injection site, rash, and bruising. Nausea and vomiting have been reported. Bebtelovimab has been approved for COVID-19 Emergency Use only by the FDA.
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Click here for the Bebtelovimab fact sheet and learn more about the treatment and side effects on Eli Lilly's website.
How do Monoclonal Antibodies Work?
When our bodies' are infected with viruses, we naturally produce antibodies, which are like soldiers, to fight the infection. However, without a vaccine or treatment, the process of building antibodies takes time. The monoclonal treatment contains lab-made antibodies that will mimic your immune system's function and help you recover faster.
Monoclonal antibodies like the ones used in the Bebtelovimab COVID-19 treatment, have been studied by the FDA to treat conditions like cancers and autoimmune diseases.
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