September 23, 2021

MCHD offers monoclonal antibody treatment at DIP Health Center

MOBILE, Ala. – Dr. Bernard H. Eichold II, Health Officer for Mobile County, has announced that the Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) is now offering subcutaneous injections of the monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment for COVID-19 patients.

Monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 helps those at high risk for serious illness by building rapid immunity to the virus and preventing hospitalization. But these products are only for those at high risk for serious illness, individuals who have recently tested positive for COVID-19, or people who are close contacts of someone who tested positive.

The Dauphin Island Parkway Health Center (2601 Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile) has been converted to serve as the central location for the mAb injections. MCHD and Family Health services previously offered at DIP have been moved to the Women’s Center and Eight Mile Health Center.

“MCHD is excited that we will begin giving subcutaneous mAb injections for COVID-19 positive persons,” he said. Subcutaneous means under the skin. In this type of injection, a short needle is used to inject a drug into the tissue layer between the skin and the muscle.

It is important to understand that post-exposure preventive monoclonal antibodies are not a replacement for vaccination.

“If you are not vaccinated, you need to get the vaccine as soon as you can,” Dr. Eichold said. “Everyone who is vaccinated needs to wear a mask when outside of their home.”

Post-exposure preventive mAb treatment should be considered for individuals who have been exposed and who are:

• High-risk for developing severe COVID-19; and,
• 12 years of age or older and weigh at least 88 pounds; and,
• Not fully vaccinated or vaccinated but immunocompromised or on immunosuppressive treatment

To begin the process of seeing if someone is eligible for mAb treatments, a client must first contact MCHD’s Central Appointments at 251-690-8889. A patient must have an appointment in order to enter the mAb treatment clinic at the DIP Health Center.