Monoclonal Antibody Infusion for COVID-19 for Children

Individuals 12 years and older who are high-risk and have contracted or been exposed to COVID-19, are eligible for this treatment at community sites. Learn more about appointments and locations at floridahealthcovid19.gov.

How effective are monoclonal antibody therapies against the Omicron variant?

While monoclonal antibody infusion has been known to be effective with the Delta variant, there is evidence that it may not be as effective for Omicron. A new monoclonal antibody treatment known as sotrovimab suggest in early studies that it has greater efficacy against the Omicron variant. Sotrovimab is not readily available at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital at this time.

Can children receive monoclonal treatment at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital with a physician referral or prescription?

While we are not currently taking appointments to schedule monoclonal antibody therapy at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, there are many community sites that are providing treatment for individuals 12 years and older who are high-risk and have contracted or been exposed to COVID-19. Learn more about appointments and locations at floridahealthcovid19.gov.

How safe are monoclonal antibody therapies? 

According to the FDA, the safety and effectiveness of both therapies is still being investigated, but previous clinical trials have shown that they can reduce COVID-19-related hospitalizations or emergency room visits in patients who are at high-risk of the disease progressing.

Casirivimab and imdevimab are investigational therapies, and there are limited clinical data available. Serious and unexpected adverse events may occur that have not been previously reported with casirivimab and imdevimab use.

How does monoclonal antibody therapy work?

  • Antibodies are proteins that the immune system produces to fight viruses, like SARS-CoV-2—which causes COVID-19.
  • Monoclonal antibodies are produced in a lab but they function like the ones found in the body naturally.
  • Therapies have now been developed that use the lab-made antibodies to treat people who test positive for COVID-19 and have mild to moderate symptoms.
  • These monoclonal antibodies target the "spike" protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which it uses to bind to and enter human cells.
  • By attaching to the spike protein, the antibodies block the entry of the virus into these cells.