Thread by @BuzzFeedNews

A CDC report found that communities of color are less likely to get lifesaving COVID-19 treatments, like monoclonal antibodies.

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According to the analysis, people who are Hispanic faced the most barriers in accessing the treatment, receiving monoclonal antibodies 58% less often than their non-Hispanic peers.

Patients who were Asian, as well as those who identified with the “other” category, including Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and multiracial patients, received monoclonal antibodies about 48% and 47% less often.

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Black patients were treated with the protective proteins 22% less often.

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Overall, average monthly use of monoclonal antibodies was low: 4% in white patients, 2.8% in Black patients, 2.2% in patients who were Asian or another race, and 1.8% in Hispanic patients.

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The researchers didn’t analyze the reason for the disparities, but they speculate that a number of systemic factors are likely to blame, such as limited access to COVID testing, insufficient health insurance, or potential bias among medical professionals.

These factors also make it more likely people of color will develop medical conditions that raise their chances of severe COVID.

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There are some things that could help “potentially reverse” these disparities such as mobile clinics that bring monoclonal antibody treatments to patients and telemedicine visits.

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