Last week, Monoclonal Antibody Therapy (mAb) utilizing Regeneron became available to COVID-19 patients via Colusa Medical Center, Colusa County officials announced Monday.
Early evidence suggests that mAb treatment can reduce the amount of SARS-CoV-2 virus (the virus that causes COVID-19) in a person’s system, known as viral load.
“I am pleased to announce that Regeneron is now available to those who need it,” said Colusa County Public Health Officer Dr. Julian Delgado, in a news release. “COVID-19 patients or those exposed to the virus may be candidates to receive mAb treatment, and are encouraged to contact Colusa Medical Center to determine whether this course of treatment is appropriate.”
Officials said that with Regeneron treatment, having a lower viral load likely means a person may have milder symptoms, thereby decreasing the likelihood of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
This treatment may help people who are currently testing positive for COVID-19, and have had symptoms for 10 days or less. To speak with a medical professional about mAb treatment, please contact Colusa Medical Center at (530) 619-0800.
Colusa County Public Health also announced a vaccination clinic has been scheduled to administer Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines to children aged 5-11.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children 5-11 years of age in October.
The Pfizer Pediatric Clinic will be held from 4-6 PM on Tuesday, Dec. 7, at the Colusa County Office of Education Village, 499 Marguerite St., in Williams.
To schedule a vaccination appointment for your child, please visit the COVID-19 portal at countyofcolusa.org or call Colusa County Public Health at (530) 458-0399, or register at www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c4eaaa628a1f9c16-pfizer1
A parent or guardian must be present for the vaccination.
As of Monday, Colusa County has administered 6,565 vaccines and distributed 5,486 to local healthcare partners. There have been 3,282 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colusa County (52 currency active cases). Two people are currently hospitalized and 22 have died from complications relating to the virus. ■