WCRMC is proud to offer Bamlinivimab as a treatment for COVID-19 infection. This medication received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA on November 9th,2020. The study that supports the use of Bamlinivimab showed that people who received the treatment were much less likely to present to the Emergency Department or be admitted to the hospital for COVID. This treatment consists of an hour-long infusion followed by a one-hour observation period. The infusion is administered in the hospital under the care of our nursing staff. However, it is still an outpatient treatment; you do not have to be admitted to the hospital to receive it. It is indicated in patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 but whose symptoms have not become severe enough to warrant inpatient admission. It is geared towards those who have contracted the virus who have underlying health issues that could put them at increased risk of severe infection. Such conditions include advanced age, chronic lung disease, poorly-controlled diabetes, or heart failure, to name a few. Patients must be at least 12 years old and weigh at least 90 pounds. Patients who would not be considered candidates for the treatment include those who have already been admitted to the hospital or those who require oxygen therapy as a result of COVID infection. Bamlinivimab is only considered to be effective within the first ten days after symptom onset. Patients who receive the treatment are advised to wait 90 days before getting the COVID vaccine. If you have any questions about whether you would be a candidate for this medication, please contact your healthcare provider.” -Thomas C. Smith M.D.