NIPAWIN — A COVID-19 treatment will soon be available in Nipawin.
In a Nov. 16 media release, the province announced that monoclonal antibody infusion treatments available will be expanded to five communities: Estevan, Turtleford, Nipawin, Prince Albert and Swift Current. Currently, they are only available in Saskatoon and Regina.
The province started rolling out the treatments Nov. 1.
A health ministry spokesperson said the treatment is expected to be up and running in Nipawin towards the end of the month.
Monoclonal antibody infusion treatment uses laboratory-made antibodies that are intended to give those with no prior exposure to COVID-19 an initial immune response that may prevent serious illness. It is only effective in the very early phase of infection.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority said the treatment should be used for COVID-19 patients within five days of becoming symptomatic if they a) haven’t been vaccinated; or b) have certain autoimmune conditions. They should be used by those 55 years and older, or by those 18 years and old who have another condition that would make COVID-19 worse.
There is a to determine’s one eligibility for the treatment, but the final decision to prescribe monoclonal antibodies will be made by clinicians.
According to the health ministry, the treatment sites are 小蓝视频 selected based on the ability of the local clinical teams to provide the treatment in a safe and timely way. Other locations for the treatment, including Humboldt, Tisdale and Melfort, are 小蓝视频 looked at but there are no timelines as of yet.
As of Nov. 14, 14 people have undergone the treatment in Saskatchewan.
