TAMPA, Fla. — Two state-run sites are now open if you’re positive for COVID-19 and in need of monoclonal antibody treatment.
What You Need To Know
- COVID treatment sites open in Tampa, Hudson
- Sites are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. No appointment required
- They can treat 300 people a day
- Locations:
- King Forest Park in Tampa by the Florida State Fairgrounds
- The Fasano Center located at 11611 Denton Avenue in Hudson
- King Forest Park in Tampa by the Florida State Fairgrounds
- The Fasano Center located at 11611 Denton Avenue in Hudson
The new treatment sites are located at King Forest Park in Tampa by the Florida State Fairgrounds. Cars must enter through 8008 East Chelsea Street. The second location is at the Fasano Center located at 11611 Denton Avenue in Hudson.
Each site will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can treat more than 300 patients per day.
You can sign up for an appointment time at patientportalFL.com, or you can drive up and be seen without an appointment.
Infectious Disease Physician Dr. Kami Kim says this monoclonal antibody treatment is not new and has been used for a number of years to treat a mix of illnesses.
“The monoclonal antibody technology and the type of drug has actually been used for decades,” she said. “These particular monoclonal antibodies are targeted for the virus and they prevent the virus from entering our cells.”
Kim says it is important that if you’re sick with COVID-19 and in need of treatment to get it as soon as possible.
“If you have COVID and you get the monoclonal antibodies early in the infection, generally a week but maybe 10 days if your immunocompromised, then it seems to make the disease less severe,” she explained.
According to Kim, the treatment prevents hospitalization in 70% of people sick with the virus.
“A lot of people can’t get into their doctor, or don’t have a doctor, or are not connected with the medical system, but by having ready access more, people can get the treatment in this early important window,” Kim said.
A third site will be opening at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, the Tampa Bay Rays confirmed. Days and times have not yet been released.