Because of LABA medication, and immune suppression, how much protection do I get from Covid vaccination?

[WeaverS]

Diagnosis of asthma-COPD a year ago, and as a result of many flare-ups over the last year, I've been on triple therapy/LABA - Trelegy Ellipta - for past six months. I've now had both Covid vaccinations (OAZ) but feel really anxious that the immune suppressance ( for which I was sheilding) means I get less protection fom my Covid jabs. Partner itching to get out and about..... I am more cautious. Does anyone know what degree of protection I actually have, or is it impossible to say? Thanks for any thoughts....

[Pippydo]

Good Morning, not sure about your meds but I’ve been on high dose pred since January and when I asked the same question to the specialist last week he said that immunosuppressed people get some protection but no one is yet sure how much. I’m in the same position as you lots of friends and family stating to get itchy feet and I’m still being cautious makes me feel miserable!

[WeaverS in reply to Pippydo]

Hi Pippydo,Thanks so much for your reply. I feel so wobbly about it - so many unknowns! I live in a low affected area, but it still doesn't help much. I feel such a wimp still being so anxious., but we immune suppressed gang do have it a bit uncertain.

[CDPO16]

Hi, I can understand your concern. I am CEV with stage 4 emphysema, am on high dose steroid inhalers and had several course of prednisolone over the course of last year. Having had both doses of the AZ vaccine I can't honestly say that I feel a whole lot safer with regard to venturing out so I don't think that you are a wimp at all. The pandemic has gone on for so long and the virus been shown to be particularly nasty that I think it is only natural to have concerns. Data is being gathered and studied all the time so the efficacy of the vaccine for the immunosuppressed may become clear as time goes on. I do however tell myself that I am far safer than I was before having the vaccine which was only being talked about this time last year. Best wishes.

[WeaverS in reply to CDPO16]

Thank you very much, CDPO16. Your response is very helpful, (and sympathetic!) I agree to feeling a whole lot safer with the two doses of vaccine done, and like you, I'm trying to keep up with the research, but finding it a bit sparse. All good wishes to you.

[Mooka]

I can’t post a link unfortunately but if you go to YouTube and search for Covid 19 vaccine and the immune system you should find a webinar done by UCL on this subject. Towards the end they go through the research they are doing into this. As Pippydo says they are still unsure of this and won’t have answers until later this year.

[WeaverS in reply to Mooka]

Thank you Mooka, I will try and hunt out that link. Very best wishes.

[pippan]

This article relates to inhaled budesonide, a class of corticosteroid. Think you might find it interesting and perhaps a little anxiety reducing. I did.

thelancet.com/journals/lanr...

[WeaverS]

Thanks Pippan. Interesting article and (if I understood it right) does appear that existing steroid inhaler use gives some degree of protection. As you say, comforting!Thank you and good wishes to you.

[Fircone]

I’ve just had my second AstraZeneca jab about 10 days ago. I’ve developed increased breathlessness but it’s not the same as an exacerbation or an infection. I just can’t get any air into my lungs. As soon as I exert myself I feel faint. This happened after the first dose. I’ve spoken to my doctor and asked if I should start my steroids but she said not to do that because I’m still developing immunity from the vaccine and oral steroids will hinder it. She said to double my inhaler dose so two puffs twice a day. Apparently the inhaled steroids are not the same as the oral ones. Thankfully I’m feeling better now. My breathing was awful for several weeks after the first dose.

[CDPO16 in reply to Fircone]

I had a similar side effect to you, among other things, after the first dose. I remember thinking 'if this is what the vaccine does, catching the virus must be dreadful'. I wasn't as bad after the second dose. Glad you are beginning to feel better.

[Fircone in reply to CDPO16]

Thank you, it’s such a relief that it’s improved after a couple of days. My breathing was so bad the first time. I had a lung review and since then I’ve been on ambulatory oxygen. I don’t know if the vaccine brought this on or whether I needed it before, all I know is that since the first jab my breathing is no longer as good.

[CDPO16 in reply to Fircone]

I empathise and I have found that my breathing is much worse too but I think for me it's really due to the prolonged lockdowns, being stuck indoors and much less active rather than after effects of the vaccine. I had a bad flare up last summer which has played a part too. I'm sure that my lung function has reduced a lot over the last year but without face to face reviews and spirometry at my GP practice there is no way to know to what extent. Best wishes.

[Fircone in reply to CDPO16]

Yes I’m sure you are right, lockdown has been so restrictive this last year that it’s bound to have an adverse effect on our condition. It’s 2 years since I had a pft because last years was due just as we went into lockdown. I’m having spirometry tests at the hospital in the next couple of weeks and a review of my inhalers so I’m hoping a change of inhaler will benefit me. Best wishes to you too 😊

[Spoticus in reply to Fircone]

My Doctor prescribed Oral Steroids for me yesterday, I told her I had my second dose of the vaccine today & she said it was ok to start the Steroids. I double checked with the pharmacy & he said it was ok as well, although they both dithered when I asked them . I’m slightly concerned after reading your post now !!!

[Fircone in reply to Spoticus]

I would follow your doctors and pharmacists advice. If they both say it’s ok I’m sure it is. There must be lots of us lungies who have needed to start a course of steroids after the vaccine be it for a flare up, infection or as a result of the vaccine.

[WeaverS in reply to Spoticus]

Apologies Spoticus - I didn't see your post! I completed a course of oral steroids just before my first AZ vaccination but did not know that there was any potential reduction in efficacy risk. I seem to gather we are all slightly reduced in terms of antibodies, though for those on daily high dose steroids there seem to be fewer antibodies, but this a very amateur opinion and not to be taken as advice in any way. I am glad I have had both vaccinations and will certainly take up the autumn booster if offered, and cross my fingers that there are a few antibodies lurking around in my system! All the best to you..

[WeaverS in reply to Fircone]

Thank you, Fircone - I'm so sorry you have had such a strong reaction following the two doses. But your advice and thoughts are much appreciated. It would be good to check with GP's re post-vaccine immunity, particularly as at the moment I am only on inhaled steroids rather than oral. Good wishes to you and very much hope your breathing gradually improves again.

[Caspiana]

Hello Weaver. 😊👋

I saw your post by chance and just had to reply. I had a lung transplant almost two years ago and am on high dosage immunosuppressive medication. I am a on a lung transplant forum and some of the members there have had the vaccine and been tested for antibodies afterwards. Unfortunately for us, a majority have low antibodies or none at all. So we still must be very cautious. It's a difficult situation, because we do not have the option of suspending our medication due to the risk of organ rejection. Of course I have no idea what drugs you are taking, so this may not be applicable. This article from John Hopkins may be useful. I just thought I'd drop by to share. Have a lovely weekend. 🌿🌼🌷🍀

Cas xx 🙋

jhunewsletter.com/article/2...

[WeaverS in reply to Caspiana]

Oh ... thank you so much, Caspiana, it was sort of beginning to dawn on me that I am liable to have fewer antibodies following my two vaccines. I had very little reaction either time.I will read the JH article now. I do hope you can keep safe and appreciate absolutely the necessity for you to keep taking the steroid meds. All best wishes to you.