Monoclonal Antibody Treatments update

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH), said the allocation of monoclonal antibody (mAbs) treatment courses from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Kentucky this week was 6,114 courses – down 802 courses from the previous week.

The week ending Sept. 28, Kentucky utilized 4,074 mAb treatment courses and had 9,671 courses on hand.

HHS allocates mAbs to states on Monday afternoons based on prior week case rate, hospitalizations and mAbs utilization.

Kentucky mAb administration sites submit requests to KDPH, which then enters orders for direct shipment from the federal distributor to the sites.

Dr. Stack said Kentuckians can visit kycovid19.ky.gov to find a mAb administration site in their area.

“Please remember the supplies are limited. There’s not enough for the entire nation, and that’s why there’s this new allocation system,” said Dr. Stack. “So when you contact a site, they’re going to use current Food and Drug Administration criteria for who are the highest risk and the most in need, and they’re going to use that coupled with their supply to determine prioritization and who can get the treatment at that time. Obviously, the hope is the disease will go down, we’ll need less of this and everyone who needs it will have access.”

COVID-19 Update
Gov. Beshear said his administration will continue to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations through media outreach; community partnerships, including with colleges and universities; and through the trusted voices of Kentuckians who are known and respected in their communities and beyond. The awareness campaign will also include Kentuckians who have lost someone to COVID-19 and who wish their loved ones would have gotten vaccinated before it was too late.

“Heading into fall and winter, we will focus more closely on the folks who haven’t yet gotten a vaccine. The media campaign will emphasize the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, and it will encourage Kentuckians to talk with a health care provider about taking this shot of hope,” said Gov. Beshear.

The Governor said public service media campaign efforts over the next few months will focus on symptoms and effects of the virus; the growing representation in our hospitals for Kentuckians who are 40 and younger; the cost of being hospitalized for COVID-19 treatment, even if you have health coverage, including loss of income while unable to work; long-term side effects; and awareness that all Kentuckians need to get both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine (or one Johnson & Johnson dose) and some Kentuckians may need a booster or third shot if they meet certain criteria.

From March 1 to Sept. 29, 2021, 86.2% of COVID-19 cases, 92.4% of COVID-19 hospitalizations and 84.5% of COVID-19 deaths have been among partially vaccinated or unvaccinated Kentuckians.

Gov. Beshear said due to more Kentuckians getting vaccinated over the summer and wearing masks indoors, the commonwealth is now seeing a decline in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and ventilator uses.

“This is now enough of a trend to say we are in a decline, and we hope it continues,” said Gov. Beshear. “But again, it’s not OK to get COVID, because you might not die. This virus can have long-term implications on your health.”