For those high risk individuals with reservations about getting vaccinated, monoclonal IV therapy seems like an alternative worth considering. Is monoclonal IV therapy a good substitute for vaccination? Which option is best for you? Keep reading to learn more.
Vaccines vs. monoclonal IV therapy – how are they different?
Covid vaccines
Covid-19 vaccines are designed to teach your body how to respond to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It takes time for vaccines to prepare your immune system to fight off the virus, with peak immunity not being reached until approximately two weeks after the second dose is administered.
Once administered, the benefits of vaccines continue long afterwards, with strong protections remaining in place for most people nearly 6 months after vaccination. Some studies suggest that vaccination provides a more robust immune response than antibodies produced through natural infection.
Monoclonal antibodies
Covid-19 monoclonal antibodies are designed to help your body fight off the virus after you’ve been exposed to or tested positive for Covid-19. Monoclonal antibodies begin working immediately, with positive effects beginning within minutes to hours of treatment.
Treatments must be administered within 10 days of symptoms developing, as they are significantly less effective once the inflammatory response to the virus has been triggered. Once treatment is given, the benefits last approximately one month. Only people at high risk of severe Covid-19 symptoms are eligible for monoclonal antibody therapy at this time.
Is monoclonal IV therapy a substitute for vaccination?
Experts stress that we should not consider monoclonal IV therapy a substitute for vaccination. There are a number of reasons why they suggest that people at high risk of hospitalization from Covid-19 get vaccinated in addition to any monoclonal antibody therapy their doctor may recommend if they get infected.
Which is better for your health?
You should note that monoclonal antibody therapy is available to those at high risk of severe illness regardless of vaccination status. However, you should not consider monoclonal IV therapy a substitute for vaccination, but rather as both working together to keep you safe.
The high demand and concerns about supply shortages of monoclonal antibodies are another reason to prioritize vaccination. Areas hard-hit by surges of Covid-19 and its variants may have trouble securing the resources necessary to keep up with demand. This means it could be difficult to get monoclonal antibody treatment within the 10-day window due to supply shortages or healthcare provider availability.
Healthcare experts agree that vaccination is key to ending the pandemic. 70% of available monoclonal antibody treatments are reserved by seven states, all of which are among the nation’s lowest vaccination rates and highest infection numbers.
Doctors note that vaccination would notably reduce the demand for monoclonal antibody treatments. So, if you are at high risk of severe symptoms from Covid-19, the best way to stay safe is to avoid getting infected. The best way to ensure that you avoid infection is through vaccination.
Which option is more affordable in the long run?
The difference in cost between vaccination and monoclonal antibodies is quite stark. Covid vaccines are free to the public (but cost the government $20-$40 per shot), whereas monoclonal antibody treatments can cost up to $2,100. Currently, the government is covering the cost of monoclonal antibody treatments; however, service providers may charge fees for administering the treatment, which is a two-hour process requiring monitoring.
Although vaccination does not guarantee you will not need monoclonal antibody treatment, it significantly reduces the likelihood that you would need this more expensive therapy.
Get Covid-19 Testing And Monoclonal IV Therapy At Home With Drip Hydration
If you are looking for discreet healthcare for your Covid-19 concerns, let Drip Hydration assist you in the comfort of your own home. Our experts will consult with you to create a personalized treatment plan. Then one of our healthcare professionals will come to your home and provide services.
Our Covid-19 testing options include:
- PCR
- Rapid Antigen
- Rapid PCR
- Antibody
Should you require monoclonal antibody IV therapy, also consider our Super Immune Boost treatment, which fuels your body with high dose vitamins B and C, Zinc, and glutathione to help fight off infection.
We offer progressive group discounts, and busy families can book appointments for multiple family members at once, reflecting our dedication to convenient and accessible health care. Reach out by giving us a call or clicking the button below to learn more about how Drip Hydration can address your Covid-19 concerns.
