Hospital partners with city, state, county to bring COVID infusion treatment to East Texans

Free monoclonal antibody treatment reduces need for hospital stay

(Nacogdoches, Texas) – In its ongoing effort to lead the community through the COVID-19 pandemic, Nacogdoches Medical Center has teamed with the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the City of Nacogdoches and the County to administer the COVID-19 monoclonal antibody infusion treatment in individuals 12 years of age and older. The treatment reduces the risk of patients needing to be hospitalized or becoming severely ill with COVID-19. 

The COVID-19 Infusion Center is now open at 320 Russell Blvd. Nacogdoches, TX, 75965, where all infusion treatments will be administered. It is located directly behind Nacogdoches Medical Center. The site will operate seven days a week from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. The treatment is free and available to all Texans who test positive for COVID-19 and have a doctor's referral.

For more information on infusion treatment, call 936-800-8027. 

The Infusion Center is the only site available to citizens within a 60-mile radius to offer this treatment. Monoclonal antibody infusion is a preventive measure for individuals who are at risk of becoming severely ill from COVID-19 or have not been fully vaccinated and have been exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual.  

Tony Thompson, M.D., chief medical officer for Nacogdoches Medical Center, said the health and well-being of the East Texas community remains the hospital’s highest priority. “As COVID-19 cases in our area continue to rise, we are focused on ensuring these types of therapies are readily available to help protect our family, friends and loved ones from becoming severely ill,” Dr. Thompson said.

“This infusion treatment is proven to be an effective tool in reducing the severity of symptoms in COVID-19 patients,” he said. “This therapy also is successful as a preventive measure for patients who have been exposed to COVID-19 and are at high-risk for becoming severely ill with the virus. Our goal is to reduce the need for patients to be hospitalized,” Dr. Thompson said. 

Monoclonal antibody infusion treatment is intended for patients who meet the following criteria:

• Have been exposed or been in close contact with an individual who is COVID-19 positive and is at high risk for progression of severe COVID-19
• Tested positive for COVID-19 
• Non-hospitalized adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older
• Mild to moderate symptoms
• Within 10 days of symptom onset

Patients who have received a positive test result for COVID-19 OR patients who have come in close contact with an individual who is COVID-19 positive and are at risk of developing severe illness. They should talk with their doctor or healthcare provider to learn if monoclonal antibody infusion treatment is right for them.