Northern Arizona Healthcare began offering outpatient monoclonal antibody treatments in Flagstaff and Cottonwood this month, available for those with a high risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms.

Monoclonal antibody treatment is the process of infusing lab-produced antibodies into the bloodstream, which are designed to target a specific component of COVID-19, reducing the severity of symptoms. 

Northern Arizona Healthcare is not using it as a method to prevent the virus and requires a positive PCR test to begin treatment.

Other eligibility parameters include everyone over 65, anyone who is immunocompromised, or people with health conditions that increase risk, such as diabetes or pregnancy.

FEMA is assisting in staffing the outpatient clinics, which Northern Arizona Healthcare says allows hospital staff to focus on other community health needs.