Omicron

[Imalpn]

Evusheld vax vs Omicron vax? Which is better in terms of how long antibodies last?

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

Hi Imalpn,

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The two you mentioned are entirely different.

Evusheld is NOT a vaccine, it is an injection of antibodies, for immune compromised people.

The bivalent vaccine boosters are recommended for everyone to improve the effectiveness of their original vaccinations. It is unclear whether CLL patients can rely on this, so we are encouraged to do both, in the sequence mentioned

Here is an explanation of Evusheld by the CDC: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nc...

SNIP: In addition to following the recommended COVID-19 vaccination schedule, tixagevimab/cilgavimab (Evusheld), a combination of two monoclonal antibodies, should be administered to people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised every 6 months for pre-exposure prophylaxis to supplement vaccine protection. Per the product EUA, Evusheld can be given at least 2 weeks after COVID-19 vaccine. People may initiate Evusheld at any time after this interval, including between doses in the primary series and between any primary and booster doses.

This medication can provide protection for those not expected to mount an adequate immune response following vaccination, including those who are immunocompromised due to a medical condition or immunosuppressive medication, or for those individuals for whom COVID-19 vaccination is not recommended due to a history of severe adverse reaction to COVID-19 vaccination

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fda.gov/emergency-preparedn...

SNIP: The virus that causes COVID-19 changes over time. Keep your protection against COVID-19 up to date by getting a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster dose.

The bivalent COVID-19 vaccines include a component of the original virus strain to provide broad protection against COVID-19 and a component of the omicron variant to provide better protection against COVID-19 caused by the omicron variant. These are called bivalent COVID-19 vaccines because they contain these two components. A bivalent COVID-19 vaccine may also be referred to as “updated” COVID-19 vaccine booster dose.

COVID-19 vaccines can help protect against severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. As the virus changes and your immunity naturally decreases over time, you may lose some of that protection.

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Len

[Imalpn in reply to lankisterguy]

thanks…so I could get the Omicron booster and Evusheld? Which should be first and how long between the Omicron vaccine and Evusheld?

[SofiaDeo]

I do both. I am on B cell depleting Venclexta, so I am not making any antibodies. The Evusheld will give me some, and the vaccines will give me whatever T-cell or other immune component protection my body is able to muster.

[Imalpn]

thanks…any side effects and which do you do first? Evusheld or Omicron

[mamabailey626 in reply to Imalpn]

Hello Imalpn, I had my first two shots of Evusheld in March as I was starting my 6 months of obinutuzumab and last Thursday I had my last obinutuzumab infusion and my second shot of Evusheld. In one month from now I will be getting the omicron booster. As far as side effect I had a tension headache the next day, mostly in my neck but Tylenol eased most of the headache.

I hope this info helped you.

Mary

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

Assuming you have had at least 2 primary vaccinations ( you may have gotten 3 primary and a booster more than 2 months ago) then you get the bivalent booster first,

The bivalent booster has the Omicron ingredient.

Then Per the CDC wording above: Evusheld can be given at least 2 weeks after COVID-19 vaccine.

Len