By Shae Brennan, Box Butte General Hospital Promotion Specialist
Many cities throughout the Panhandle of Nebraska are receiving a vaccine for COVID-19. Box Butte General Hospital expects to start vaccinating healthcare workers, EMS, and long-term care residents with the COVID-19 vaccine this week; however, it will not be available to patients, the general public, or the high-risk population yet.
With that being said, BBGH does have a COVID-19 outpatient clinic where patients can be referred by a physician to receive an infusion of Bamlanivimab (BAM for short) for treatment of mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19.
BAM is an antibody infusion that helps patients recover from mild symptoms sooner. There are some requirements to receive this treatment, including: 12 years of age or older, positive COVID-19 test, target BMI range but weighing at least 88 pounds, normal oxygen level with no assistance, mild symptoms, recovering at home (not admitted to the hospital).
The infusion takes about three hours, and patients will be charged an outpatient administration fee but not charged for the medication. Improvements can be seen anywhere from one to three days after treatment. However, this does not shorten the length of time needed to stay isolated.
Box Butte General Hospital encourages the public to follow guidance from the Panhandle Public Health District and continue practicing social distancing, masking in public, and washing and sanitizing hands frequently.