Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Clinic Opens In Lakeland: DeSantis

LAKELAND, FL — Polk County residents who test positive for COVID-19 now have a nearby monoclonal antibody site in Lakeland, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system's ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as viruses, including the coronavirus, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

The monoclonal antibody clinic at Lakes Church, 1010 E. Memorial Blvd. in Lakeland, opened Saturday afternoon following DeSantis' press conference there. The clinic is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"It (Lakeland location) will be able to treat more than 300 patients each and every day," DeSantis told reporters. "The treatment of monoclonal antibodies using Regeneron is designed for people who are at risk for hospitalization due to COVID-19."

Florida residents who have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 can also take advantage of the treatment.

Over the weekend, neighboring Hillsborough County's monoclonal antibody site saw hundreds of people seeking treatment, according to WFLA.

The antibody has been in use since late 2020, DeSantis said. He wants to raise the visibility of it since not many people across the state have been aware of the antibody treatment, which is what former President Trump and other leaders have received when they have had the coronavirus. Regeneron was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for emergency use in 2020.

"AdventHealth and Lakeland Regional Health have been reporting record-high levels of COVID hospitalizations," The Ledger reported. "Their numbers are more than double what was seen during the last surge in mid-January."

The outlet reported Lakeland Regional Health started giving the monoclonal antibody treatment in November. Danielle Drummond, LRH's president and CEO, told the paper it is treating about 60 patients per day.

Sites in 12 counties are currently in operation:

• Bay
• Brevard
• Broward
• Duval
• Hillsborough
• Lee
• Miami-Dade
• Okaloosa
• Orange
• Palm Beach
• Pasco
• Volusia

DeSantis also said Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg will host a site.

According to the treatment guidelines, the monoclonal antibodies should be administered as soon as possible after a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. If you meet the requirements for the treatment, you can make an appointment here. Treatment is free.

For all Florida locations giving the monoclonal antibody treatment, click here.