Mid-Missouri hospitals not seeing a shortage of antibody treatments as some states run low
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Some states are experiencing a shortage of antibody treatment drugs for COVID-19 but for several Mid-Missouri hospitals, it doesn't look like it will run out anytime soon.
Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said the state's top priority is making sure its distribution process is successful by being smart and cautious about how and where it distributes the treatment.
Monoclonal antibody infusion or Regen-Cov therapy has become more popular since the efforts first started earlier in the year. The growth in popularity and COVID-19 cases across the nation has caused some states to run low.
Some Boone County health experts say the treatment has been successful and a shortage has not been an issue in Boone County.
"Columbia has all the health care facilities it has I'm sure the University is doing them, the VA is doing them, we're doing them, we've not had any trouble getting a supply at this time," Dr. Robin Blount, Chief Medical Officer with Boone Health said.
Dr. Christopher Sampson, Emergency Physician with MU Health Care said MU has not seen a shortage.
"Currently we have not had any trouble getting them for our patients," Sampson said.
SSM Health Saint Mary's and Capital Region in Jefferson City also have not had a shortage.
In August, several Monoclonal Antibody treatment sites were opened across the state. On Tuesday, Gov. Mike Parson announced the sites will remain open for an extended time.
"We're really pleased that Governor Parson did approve another 30 days for those treatments at our state-operated sites they are going very well, very successful," Cox said.
Health experts say the number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has seen a bit of a decline, as antibody treatments become more popular.
"It has been shown to be very effective when you look at statistically someone like that ending up in the hospital," Dr. Blount said.
The Monoclonal Treatment is for people with a mild-moderate case of COVID-19 and it works to prevent hospitalization. Those interested in receiving the treatment should reach out to their primary care physician to see if they are eligible.
