San Diegans now have an additional option to access a treatment that significantly reduces symptoms in COVID-19 patients, with the opening of a Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Center (MARC) in Chula Vista.
Treatment is available for free regardless of health insurance or immigration status, and a doctor’s referral is not required. San Diego County and San Ysidro Health worked with federal, state, and community partners to open the new facility in the former Chula Vista firehouse # 5. This is the second MARC facility in the province.
The FDA has approved the use of monoclonal antibody combination therapies for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and children. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight viruses. The combination therapy has been proven to significantly reduce hospital visits and mortality in COVID-19 positive patients when administered within 10 days of symptom onset. It can also help people get back to work and get back into their lives without the persistent symptoms of COVID-19.
In early February, the MARC of Palomar Medical Center Downtown became the first in the province to commit to this treatment model. The intravenous treatment takes less than an hour and is intended for people at high risk of serious complications from COVID-19. Patients or caregivers can call (619) 685-2500 to schedule an appointment at both locations. The MARC at San Ysidro Health is open seven days a week from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.