Covid Booster

[Cherieann]

I am so torn on whether or not to get a booster. I am in the LLS study and one month after my 2nd vaccine I had the antibody test and it was positive with the results of 106.60 which was good but they saidhealthy people had results of Greater than 2500. I had this test in early April. In July I got Covid and had Regeneron. I waited 90 days and recently had another antibody test before getting a booster and it states positive with a great result of greater than 2500. Now I am torn on whether to get a booster now or wait a few more months. Please share your thoughts.

[Pin57]

Cherieann - Great post question as your story mirrors mine in many ways. I’m at the same fork in the road like you regarding when to get the booster shot. I’m also in the LLS Study, had “same scores” as you have had (and same timing too) … now is it time (or not) to pull the trigger on getting the booster shot?

I’ve discussed my case with my CLL n GP docs n they told me to wait for the infamous 6 month clock to strike (about 1 more month in my case since my 3rd and last vaccine shot … I went rogue n took 2 vaccine types early-on this year). Your case has a unique twist as it appears covid produced your mega spike antibodies.

My short answer (advice) is to ask your question to your CLL and GP docs on booster shot timing … that’s the route I take on issues like this. It’ll give you better feedback for YOUR situation versus just going with the “general masses” 6 month guideline only. Who knows… maybe your docs will want you to get a booster shot before that 6 month window occurs for YOUR situation?

Good luck with your future booster shot and stay well!

[GMa27]

My tests results are greater than 2500. First test was >20 then few months later 2nd test was >2500. Had another test 3 months later & so far same results. I decided I don't need the booster shot now. Going to test again in Dec & see if I have the same. Saving it for if I lose any. Seeing hematologist in Dec & GP in Feb. Will discuss with them then.

Hope yours continues to stay >2500. 💕

[Jm954 Administrator]

Just my take on it but I would have the booster. In my book you can't have antibody levels that are too high or too much protection!

[teakbank12]

I wish I'd produced some antibodies. However small a reading rather than zero score back from the nhs recently and that's after the third primary dose.

Dave

[Cherieann in reply to teakbank12]

I wish you would have better results too. If you get Covid get Regeneron-Cov asap. It is a great drug if given early.

[WinJ3]

Looks like science is on your side and probably saving your life; Covid vaccines and Regeneron. As far as risk reward, I would get the Booster and all Boosters of the future 🙂

[AnneHill in reply to WinJ3]

The nhs has new treatments but I cant trust that I will get them. A&E is over run and has ambulances waiting outside unable to take patients inside. I will wait and hope that we will be given a drug to take at home. In the meantime I will be careful where I go and accept if places are overcrowded and folk without masks, I will turn around and go home. Anne uk

[teakbank12 in reply to AnneHill]

Hence why we're not gong anywhere, no shops whatsoever as everyone thinks life's back to normal.We only go inside to visit GP or hospital where tests are required otherwise they're telephone consultations.

Our hospitals are saying to the public to stay away and I certainly don't want to sit in a corridor or outside awaiting a consultation.

Dave

[AnneHill in reply to teakbank12]

Everyone does think things are back to normal. Weird that even the chemist hasnt got handgel in the doorway any more. The numbers were low and I went for coffee in a place that was trying to be safe. Once a fortnight, social distanced, ventilation, staff and customers wearing masks. Numbers have gone up dramatically. The kids are all getting it and classes are closed.

[onu1tadi2]

Life is probabilities. Being careful. Staying out of crowds, washing hands increase probability of avoiding Covid more than vaccines or booster.

[AnneHill in reply to onu1tadi2]

That was my attitude but numbers in my area altered the decision making. Recently numbers have gone up dramatically in my area. This has altered my judgement. Its not easy. When you want to go somewhere and common sense says its too risky it is hard to cross it out of my diary. Anne uk

[onu1tadi2 in reply to AnneHill]

Even if I were vaxed i would avoid coffee shop huddles which used to be an important way of socializing for me as a single person. But numbers mean little unless you know their source which could represent just one group, such as a nursing home, and without knowing percentages or per capita figures. I am more alarmed at cancer and heart disease figures and lack of focus on prevention in these areas.

[HopeME in reply to onu1tadi2]

We are social creatures so avoiding others over extended periods of time is difficult, if not impossible. Obviously, distancing helps but it is not a long-term solution that most can effectively employ. Follow the science. Vaccines are safe, effective and the only way to end the pandemic.

Best

Mark

[onu1tadi2 in reply to HopeME]

Vaccines are not totally effective for regular people and barely effective if at all for CLL afflicted. At age 76 i need to work to pay my rent. Luckily it's online work. This takes much energy. A sore arm even would make it very difficult for me to honour my work contract and get paid. The odds make getting zero vax best. Never had any flu vax either and have sat face to face with thousands of people from developing nations at work. I simply take adequate precautions and never have had the flu.

[onu1tadi2 in reply to HopeME]

No one is sure the vaccine will end the pandemic. It will end the way SARS and other pandemics ended I would guess. One argument by scientists is that body's natural immune system works when Covid threatens it and does not require the body to be infected first. The vaccine, however, allows the virus to enter system and then prevents it from spreading. This way natural immune system is not allowed to work. I believe herd immunity requires natural immune system to work, based on the scientists' views I have decided to believe. If i was living in a tight knit community or family i would get vaxed if I did not have CLL. Everyone has a right to decide for themselves.

[HopeME in reply to onu1tadi2]

Let’s agree to disagree. I wish you well.

Best

Mark

[onu1tadi2 in reply to HopeME]

Of course. Everyone has a right to their own views based on what they know and experience. Even top scientists often disagree.

[LeoPa]

The covid was your booster. You don't need any booster now.

[Mend123]

Supposedly the antibodies from Covid (and monoclonal antibodies) do not last as long as the antibodies from the booster.

[Catnap7]

My take would be NO I had a high antibodies rating after the first two Then I did the boosterTOO MUCH

[HopeME in reply to Catnap7]

Too much? Can you expand on what you mean?

Thanks

Mark

[Catnap7 in reply to HopeME]

First of all I am not anti vax. I am anti getting over vaxed I have friends who went for their mammograms after getting their booster and cysts are showing up that look different than the regular breast cyst. The radiologist said they are seeing this .. Myself it hurt my breast and chest wall next to the shot arm. After being examined my doctor told me "possible booster reaction" and pain it has not completely gone away and it has been 2 months Guess I react big . Couldn't even hang with the full dose of my I/V drugs in the trial. Sometimes too much is not better...for me anywayCatnap7

[Cherieann in reply to Catnap7]

Thank you for your rssponse. After my 2nd booster I had swollen nodes under my arm and neck for several weeks so I am hesitant.

[Catnap7]

Hi Cherieann After the booster on my L arm …. my L breast swelled I am sure it was lymph nodes

Took a while to go down Please I am only painting my own personal reaction

I’m sure many people are getting the booster with no long term reaction We are all so different

Catnap7 🐈🐈‍⬛