This was on a CDC handout that an immunologist friend gave me regarding vaccines. Does this mean we have to stop our ibrutinib, for example, two weeks before the vaccine ? or two weeks before and two weeks after we get the vaccine or booster?
Quote: “Whenever possible, COVID-19 vaccines should be administered at least two weeks before initiation or resumption of
immunosuppressive therapies. “.
What does it say to you? I've used various regimes before but this is the first CDC wording I've seen.
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ElMaga
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“Whenever possible" are the operative words. You need time to build up some B-cells to respond to the vaccine, then a couple of weeks for them to mature into antibody producing plasma cells that aren't affected by ibrutinib.
At least one member has done this, but you need to clear this with your specialist. It's possible to have tumour flare when you go off ibrutinib, even after years of treatment. Restarting ibrutinib brings CLL back under control.
I don't know how long it takes for B-cell counts to rebuild. The ibrutinib first needs to be flushed out of your system, for which you'd need to allow a week.
I don't think it's important with omicron anymore. It's the T cell immunity boost that the vaccinated have to rely upon as even those who do develop antibodies are not in the clear anymore. Omicron is apt at ducking them.
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