COVID-19 Antibody Infusion Center at Fairgrounds Closes Friday
Infusion Therapy Still Available Throughout Area
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The COVID-19 antibody infusion center at the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds, operated by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), will close on Friday, November 19, 2021, due to a steep reduction in patients needing antibody therapy. At-home antibody infusion services will still be available, and antibody infusion therapy is also available in area hospitals.
The antibody infusion center at the fairgrounds began operation on August 13 and served 2183 patients through Monday, November 15. Treating those patients early prevented symptoms from getting worse and helped increase hospital bed capacity so that resources were available for seriously ill patients.
The State of Texas deployed similar measures in early 2021 to communities across Texas. Should infections increase again, the antibody therapy clinic can return quickly.
Monoclonal antibodies treat COVID-19 patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms with therapeutic drugs that can prevent their condition from worsening and requiring hospital care. Patients must meet specific criteria and have a referral from a doctor. The therapy cannot be used once a COVID-19 patient requires hospitalization, so it is vital to seek medical attention as soon as you have symptoms.
The State has a mobile infusion clinic providing therapy in people’s homes. The number to call for this service is 1-800-742-5990.
To qualify for Monoclonal Infusion Therapy, you must be 12 years of age or older, weigh at least 88 pounds, have a doctor’s referral, be within ten days of onset symptoms, and have a pulse oxygen level greater than 93%. You must also fall into one or more of these high-risk groups:
- Age 65 or older
- Obese or overweight with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or greater
- Pregnant
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes
- HIV
- Leukemia
- Immunocompromised
- Cardiovascular disease
- Hypertension
- Chronic lung disease
- Moderate to severe asthma
- Sickle cell disease
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
Follow city social media channels Facebook @citygov and Twitter @cityofcc for updates.
For more information, visit www.cctexas.com/coronavirus and www.nuecesknows.com.