MN Dept. Of Health Opens COVID Antibody Clinic In Twin Cities

By now, COVID-19 testing and COVID-19 vaccine clinics have become pretty commonplace; at this stage of the pandemic, we're familiar with what they do and where they're located in our community. But what about antibody treatments - the medical treatment that allows COVID-19 diagnosed patients to get better faster?

To make the process easier and more convenient to interested COVID-19 patients, the Minnesota Department of Health has opened a monoclonal antibody COVID-19 treatment clinic in St. Paul. Using an outpatient approach, the clinic offers "treatment for patients with mild to moderate symptoms that started within the past 10 days, and who are at high risk of their illness leading to hospitalization or death".

Individuals who are interested in receiving monoclonal antibody treatment for their COVID-19 diagnosis need to work through their health care provider to get an appointment. Direct appointments can also be made by the patient by visiting the Minnesota Resource Allocation Platform website to request an appointment; click here to get started.

Chinnapong

Although the clinic is located in the Twin Cities area, the aim is to make it available for the greater State of Minnesota via the online registration portal. Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcom shares:

"This clinic will strengthen the existing capacity of providers in the Twin Cities to give this life-saving treatment. Patients and their providers seeking monoclonal antibody treatments can make an appointment at this clinic and other locations by using the state's online tool - the Minnesota Resource Allocation Platform."

It's worth noting that the new clinic site is not a walk-in clinic. The building is located near Interstate 35E and Arlington Avenue West in St. Paul.

What Do I Do If I Lose My COVID-19 Vaccination Card?

When you get your COVID-19 vaccine, you're handed a card that details the date, manufacturer variety, and location of your dose. If you're getting one of the two-dose vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna), you'll need that card to coordinate your second and final dose. But even with the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and even after getting the second shot, you'll need to keep that card in a safe place.

While nationwide vaccine mandates aren't a thing at the present time, there are a variety of times you might need that card even after completing the vaccine process. Many schools (primary, secondary, and higher education) are requiring the COVID-19 vaccine similar to other vaccinations. Additionally, some entertainment venues and mass transportation are requiring either proof of a negative COVID test or the vaccine card.

So what happens if you lose it? Relax. There are ways of obtaining a replacement - and they differ slightly whether you've lost it before getting both doses or after.

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