Monoclonal Antibodies Treatment Center Now Open in Shreveport

Dr. John Vanchiere of LSU Health talks about the Louisiana Department of Health's plan to treat area COVID patients with monoclonal antibodies, who qualifies and when and where treatment is available.

Vanchiere says that is now operating six federally supported monoclonal antibody therapy (mAb) treatment sites and plans to open seven additional sites by the end of next week. He adds that the now Shreveport site is located at the State Fairgrounds.

"An infusion center is set up in one of the permanent buildings there," Vanchiere says, "The state list of qualifying conditions is those high risk conditions for severe COVID disease. Those would be age over 65, obesity, immuno-compromised. There's a long list of conditions that meet the qualifications."

Here's what Dr. Vanchiere told KEEL listeners:

Vanchiere adds that each site around the state, including the Shreveport locations, will be open 7 days a week from 8am to 6pm with an ability to serve more than 150 patients daily per site.

And more details are available on the Louisiana Department of Health site:

Patients need to be referred by their doctor or other healthcare provider to a facility that offers mAb therapy such as a hospital or an infusion center. Those without a provider can be referred by an urgent care, community clinic, emergency department, hospitalist, etc.

Patients with a positive COVID-19 viral test should speak with their healthcare provider to determine whether they are eligible for mAb treatment and to discuss potential benefits and side effects.

Monoclonal antibody treatments may be used for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients who are within 10 days of the start of their symptoms, at least 12 years of age or older and weigh at least 88 pounds and are at a high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization.

For complete information on the monoclonal antibodies COVID treatment, JUST CLICK HERE!

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60 of the Most Famous Graves in Louisiana

Some of the most famous and recognizable names in America's History are buried right here in Louisiana. Some are natives, some aren't. From war heroes to global icons to musical legends to folk heroes, Louisiana has all kinds of pieces of history in the state. Here are 60 of the most famous and recognizable, including several who may have ties to Shreveport-Bossier that you didn't realize - for instance, did you know the guy that wrote the screenplays for all the Planet of the Apes movies is local? We didn't!

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Filed Under: louisiana, Shreveport

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