Potentially Lifesaving Monoclonal Antibodies Now More Widely Available

Multiple safe and highly effective vaccines are now available, and Americans as young as 12 years old are eligible to be vaccinated. This is helping our communities become safer from COVID-19 every day. To date, UPMC has distributed more than 575,000 doses of vaccine throughout our communities.
In addition to holding community vaccine clinics, we are partnering with other local health care providers, schools, businesses, and community groups to promote vaccine education and deliver vaccines.
To schedule a vaccine appointment, visit Vaccine.UPMC.com. To schedule an appointment for a child between the ages of 12 and 17, call 844-UPMCVAC (844-876-2822) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., 7 days a week.

Monoclonal antibodies are an effective treatment for COVID-19. They have significantly decreased the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 when given to someone shortly after infection.
Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the eligibility criteria for monoclonal antibodies. The treatment is widely available at UPMC for people who test positive for COVID-19 and are at risk of severe illness.
“We are delighted to know that they have broadened the criteria so that virtually all can receive this potentially lifesaving treatment,” says Tami Minnier, MSN, RN, chief quality officer, UPMC.
Monoclonal antibodies are available at 46 UPMC facilities, including dedicated infusion centers and all UPMC Emergency Departments. To date, we have given more than 2,900 monoclonal antibody infusions.
For more information about monoclonal antibodies, including who is eligible and how to schedule an appointment, visit UPMC.com/AntibodyTreatment.

We will always provide a safe environment for our patients, staff, and visitors. As the COVID-19 pandemic improves in our communities, we are streamlining entry to facilities while maintaining essential safety measures.
We continue to require facemasks throughout all UPMC facilities, including hospitals and outpatient locations, even if you are fully vaccinated.

On Tuesday, June 1, we began phasing out some entrance procedures, including infrared temperature kiosks. You also may no longer see a UPMC employee at the entrance asking about fever and other COVID-19 symptoms. However, you should continue to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms. If you think you may be sick, stay home and contact your doctor.

These updates are occurring at many UPMC locations, including all hospitals except for UPMC Chautauqua. UPMC Chautauqua and UPMC long-term care facilities will continue to follow state and regulatory requirements for entry screening.
For more information on our policies, including patient support person guidelines, visit UPMC.com.

People with weakened immune systems from certain medical conditions and treatments are at greater risk of COVID-19 complications. The UPMC "COVID-19 Vaccine in the Immunocompromised Study" (CoVICS) will inform us better on how well the vaccine protects immunocompromised people. Learn more about the study and sign up to participate if you are eligible.