Treatment proven to reduce hospitalization and death by 70% in clinical trials
PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the State of Florida opened a new monoclonal antibody therapy treatment site in Broward County. This location will be open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an ability to serve more than 300 patients daily. “We are working to raise awareness about monoclonal antibodies because they save lives and reduce severe illness and risk of hospitalization,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Today, I am proud to further expand access to treatment with the opening of a monoclonal antibody treatment site in Broward County. We will continue to open more sites to support Floridians’ ability to receive this treatment which has been proven to be safe and effective.”
The site is located at:
C.B. Smith Park
900 North Flamingo Road
Pembroke Pines, FL 33028
Hours: 7 days a week; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
To see the full video from the event, please click HERE.
To find locations to receive monoclonal antibody treatments around the entire state, please visit floridahealthcovid19.gov.
“The Division of Emergency Management has been working diligently to identify additional sites throughout the state for this lifesaving treatment,” said Florida Department of Emergency Management Director (FDEM) Kevin Guthrie. “I want to thank all of the County Emergency Management offices who have assisted us in opening these sites. Through state and local partnerships, we are keeping Floridians out of hospitals and bringing this treatment to those who need it most.” “The vaccines are one of our best tools to prevent COVID, but if you become sick, whether you are vaccinated or not, we need safe and effective treatment and that’s where the monoclonal antibodies come in,” said FDEM Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kenneth Scheppke. “We want the vaccines to prevent you from getting a severe illness, but if you get sick, we want the monoclonal antibodies to give your body that immediate boost to help fight off the infection and keep you from getting really sick and ending up in our hospitals.” Monoclonal antibody treatments can be prescribed by health care providers to individuals 12 years of age and older who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and are at high risk for severe illness and hospitalization. However, at Governor DeSantis’ direction, there is currently a standing order in Florida signed by the State Surgeon General that allows patients to receive this treatment without a prescription or referral if administered by an eligible health care provider. Such referrals are not required at any of the State of Florida monoclonal antibody treatment sites and treatments are available at no cost to patients. The antibodies help the immune system recognize and respond effectively to the virus. According to the treatment guidelines, they should be administered as soon as possible after diagnosis. By providing access to these treatments at these new sites, Governor DeSantis is alleviating demand on hospital resources and further making sure that Floridians have access to all potential treatments that can help them recover from COVID-19. Governor DeSantis and the Florida Department of Health continue to encourage Floridians to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Find out where the vaccine is offered HERE. ###
