• English
    X

    Google Translate Disclaimer

    The Maryland Department of Information Technology (“DoIT”) offers translations of the content through Google Translate. Because Google Translate is an external website, DoIT does not control the quality or accuracy of translated content. All DoIT content is filtered through Google Translate which may result in unexpected and unpredictable degradation of portions of text, images and the general appearance on translated pages. Google Translate may maintain unique privacy and use policies. These policies are not controlled by DoIT and are not associated with DoIT’s privacy and use policies. After selecting a translation option, users will be notified that they are leaving DoIT’s website. Users should consult the original English content on DoIT’s website if there are any questions about the translated content.

    DoIT uses Google Translate to provide language translations of its content. Google Translate is a free, automated service that relies on data and technology to provide its translations. The Google Translate feature is provided for informational purposes only. Translations cannot be guaranteed as exact or without the inclusion of incorrect or inappropriate language. Google Translate is a third-party service and site users will be leaving DoIT to utilize translated content. As such, DoIT does not guarantee and does not accept responsibility for, the accuracy, reliability, or performance of this service nor the limitations provided by this service, such as the inability to translate specific files like PDFs and graphics (e.g. .jpgs, .gifs, etc.).

    DoIT provides Google Translate as an online tool for its users, but DoIT does not directly endorse the website or imply that it is the only solution available to users. All site visitors may choose to use alternate tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use DoIT content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk. DoIT is not liable for any loss or damages arising out of, or issues related to, the use of or reliance on translated content. DoIT assumes no liability for any site visitor’s activities in connection with use of the Google Translate functionality or content.

    The Google Translate service is a means by which DoIT offers translations of content and is meant solely for the convenience of non-English speaking users of the website. The translated content is provided directly and dynamically by Google; DoIT has no direct control over the translated content as it appears using this tool. Therefore, in all contexts, the English content, as directly provided by DoIT is to be held authoritative.

    January 27, 2021

    Media Contacts:

    Deidre McCabe, Director, Office of Communications, 410-767-3536

    Charlie Gischlar, Deputy Director, Media Relations, 443-463-7234 


    Maryland Department of Health encourages physicians and patients to consider monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19

    Treatment shown to reduce severity of COVID-19 symptoms, hospitalizations and emergency room visits. New online portal makes physician referrals easy.

    Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) is actively encouraging physicians and patients to consider monoclonal antibody treatment, which has been shown to reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent hospitalization in people with mild or moderate symptoms of COVID-19. A new online referral portal through CRISP, the state’s electronic health information exchange, will allow physicians to more efficiently refer COVID-19 patients for monoclonal antibody treatment at several locations throughout Maryland.

    “While the distribution of vaccines is a top priority, monoclonal antibody treatments are another tool that can help patients fight COVID-19. Monoclonal antibody treatments can reduce patients’ symptoms and help prevent hospital admissions,” said Acting MDH Secretary Dennis R. Schrader. “I encourage patients who have been diagnosed recently with COVID-19 to talk to a physician and see if a monoclonal antibody treatment is appropriate for them.”

    Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic natural antibodies’ ability to fight viruses such as COVID-19. They do not contain the virus that causes COVID-19. In November 2020, the Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization to allow the use of monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients. The two monoclonal antibodies that can be administered are Bamlanivimab and Casirivimab and Imdevimab.

    Monoclonal antibody treatment is available for Marylanders who are at high risk for serious illness from COVID-19. This includes people who are 65 years of age or older or have certain chronic medical conditions. Treatment includes a single, one-hour intravenous infusion, followed by at least one hour of observation.

    Monoclonal antibody treatment can be obtained at a number of hospitals and other health care providers in the state, including:

    ●       Adventist HealthCare Takoma Park

    ●       Atlantic General Hospital

    ●       Baltimore Convention Center Field Hospital

    ●       MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center

    ●       Meritus Health

    ●       Peninsula Regional-Tidal Health

    ●       UPMC Western Maryland 

    MDH has also made arrangements with nursing homes across the state for eligible residents who contract COVID-19 to have access to treatment through their long-term care pharmacy partners. Additionally, several dialysis centers now offer the treatment.

    Physicians wishing to refer a patient for a monoclonal antibody treatment through CRISP’s new referral tool can find instructions and additional resources at coronavirus.maryland.gov

    Under a special arrangement with the federal government, a supply of monoclonal antibody treatment medications is available to patients for free. However, there may be costs related to administering the medications that are not covered by insurance.

    Frequently asked questions about monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 are available at covidLINK.maryland.gov

    NOTE TO MEDIA: Dr. Jinlene Chan, Acting MDH Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services, is available on Wednesday, Jan. 27, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. for media interviews. Please contact Charlie Gischlar at charles.gischlar@maryland.gov to schedule an interview.

     ###

    The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement.

    Follow us on Twitter @MDHealthDept and at Facebook.com/MDHealthDept.