Blood Cancer UK and the British Society for Haematology have written an open letter to the UK JCVI asking them to update their guidance in respect of blood cancer patients with the aim to encourage doctors to give the second dose sooner than the current 12 weeks because of the information presented in the letter.
You can read the letter here and may want to discuss this information with your own doctor if you are still waiting for your second dose. The references included here will be applicable anywhere in the world.
I’ve read the letter, and I appreciate what they are trying to achieve, but one thing stands out. They only mention Pfizer, then just general comments on non-specific Coronavirus vaccinations.Do you think this includes Astra Zeneca, where the delayed second vaccination was supposed to give a better response, or is it specifically about Pfizer?
I realise you may not have any further information, Jackie, I’m just posing the question. It seems a bit vague, to me.
I have just replied in another post - there was a recent Leukaemia Care webinar around vaccination/leukaemia (CLL mentioned a lot), but I can't find a link to it - if anyone can it would be really useful for the group. Three specialist docs were all pretty much in agreement. From a very bad memory, I have two takeaways:
The Oxford and Pfizer vaccines work in different ways - so this study is specifically Pfizer and it probably does not apply to the Oxford one.
The immune system is really complex - no one fully understands how it works. So just because one marker has not risen after a first vaccination does NOT mean the vaccination isn't giving protection in a way we don't understand (it might be giving protection). So too much can be read into one marker not rising after one dose (if two required) - indeed even after two doses.
My (Oxford) jab was on 10 Feb and I have questioned my GP....still operating to 12 weeks, so I need to wait end April/early May...
Thanks, Quarry. These are all things I have heard and understand, and (I think) I watched the last webinar - my memory is useless! I think it was just that 'they' have drafted an important letter without specifying they were only talking about the Pfizer and presumably not about the AZ. I just got out of bed on the wrong side this morning, I think!
It's difficult to know but I would say (as a non doctor), that to be on the safe side, that it wouldn't matter which vaccination, better to get it sooner rather than later because it's our declining immunity between vaccinations that is the issue.
Thanks for that Jackie. A more urgent question is can we even get the second dose within 12 weeks. I'm at week 11. My younger, not clinically vulnerable husband was contacted by the surgery offering an appointment for his second shot on Sunday. I have heard nothing. (Husband did point this out to the surgery so they've included me in the appointment but he shouldn't have had to do that). If anyone else hasn't had the call for the second appointment I'd recommend hassling the GP practice manager. Other friends did this and got their second appointments immediately.
It's a good point and one the many of us will be struggling with
I was very lucky in that I rang my GP and the receptionist organised it for a few days later after I explained the situation so I only had 7 weeks between jabs.
The government of Ontario has prescribed 16 weeks between shots for all vaccines because of a shortage. That policy was changed 2 weeks ago for blood cancer patients in active treatment. Such patients now qualify for a second shot within 21-28 days, depending on the vaccine. If you’re in w&w, you’re out of luck. You still have to wait the prescribed 16 weeks.
If you live in Ontario, Canada, this new policy is not automatic. You must get the physician who is treating your cll or your family doctor to confirm to the local vaccine authority that you qualify for this shorter period between vaccines.
My experience is similar to what you’ve outlined Vizilo. I live in Ontario and, last night, I was able to book my first dose for May 3 and automatically I was booked for my second dose on May 24. The only unfortunate part is that I’m currently in active FCR treatment so not sure if it will work but, per my specialist, it is still best to get it as it may still offer some protection.
You’re right. It may only be a flip of the coin (as opposed to the 90% in the general population) as to whether the vaccine will work among us immune compromised but my oncologist also says that it is likely better than nothing. But, as always, we need to be extra careful dealing with the outside world especially during these strained circumstances in Ontario.
I had my second dose (of Oxford A-Z) today, at eleven and a half weeks. Although I got my first dose earlier than my wife and other friends and family of similar age, they have all caught up, and my wife had her second dose (Pfizer) last week! It's all down to the availability of the vaccine doses, and clinical ideals have to take second place. John
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