People at risk of COVID-19 complications in the Albury Wodonga region will be able to access a drug to help boost their ability to fight the virus.
Albury Wodonga Health (AWH) has begun administering single-dose antibody Sotrovimab infusions, which are given to patients intravenously.
Sotrovimab mimics the natural antibodies produced by the immune system when fighting COVID-19.
AWH's Infectious Diseases Physician, Dr Justin Jackson, said the drug was a great weapon for people with poor immune systems.
"These antibodies bind to the virus and stop it from entering host cells," he said.
The medication is only available to those who are at high risk of developing serious COVID-19 complications, including people who are immunosuppressed, have chronic disease, are over 55 years old, or not protected by a vaccination.
Albury Wodonga Health will assess patients of eligibility via telephone.
Sotrovimab was approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in August 2021.
Early treatment vital
Sotrovimab must be administered within five days of symptom onset to prevent an inflammatory response and lung damage, which can lead to hospitalisation.
Nine people had been able to access the two-hour infusion treatment at Albury Wodonga Health to date.
The site can treat up to eight patients per day.
The health service said it had worked to ensure the site was isolated and did not pose a risk to staff, patients and public at Albury's hospital site.
"As all patients in the COVID Day Centre will have tested COVID-positive, staff will be wearing full personal protective equipment and use standard infection control protocols," AWH Chief Executive Michael Kalimnios said.
Health authorities warned prevention was still better than cure.
"Vaccination remains the most important way to protect our community and loved ones from COVID-19, however this treatment provides another tool to reduce the need for hospitalisation and death from the virus," Mr Kalimnios said.
