Monoclonal antibody therapy treatments are currently being used throughout the State of Florida to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death in high-risk patients who have contracted or been exposed to COVID-19. Monoclonal treatment is free and vaccination status is not relevant. Those who are 12 years and older and are at high risk for severe illness due to COVID-19 are eligible to receive treatment. In an effort to support Governor DeSantis' initiative, a standing order signed by the State Surgeon General, is currently in place that allows patients to receive treatment without a prescription or referral if administered by an eligible health care provider. Such referrals are not required at any of the State of Florida monoclonal antibody treatment sites and treatments are available at no cost to patients. The antibodies in these treatments help the immune system recognize and respond effectively to the virus. As per current treatment guidelines, it should be administered as soon a possible after a diagnosis has been made. Clinical trials have shown that this treatment has resulted in a 70 percent reduced risk for hospitalization and death, and has resulted in an 82 percent reduced risk for contracting COVID-19 for people who were exposed to the virus through members of their household. Monoclonal treatment sites are available in many Florida counties including Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Duval, Hillsborough, Lee, Leon, Manatee, Miami Dade, Okaloosa, Orange, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, St. Lucie, Sumter and Volusia. There is a monoclonal treatment site in Tallahassee in the Governor’s Square Mall, in the former Sears site. The site is opened seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you need to make an appointment, visit floridahealthcovid19.gov.
