covid vaccines

[Ladydi49]

hello everyone. I’m in the U.S. and completed BR in 11/18 and am in remission according to my labs so I have been getting all my screenings done. A month ago a skin cancer (basal cell) was removed from my right cheek just below my eye. In 4 weeks I have to have Mohs surgery to the site which means I will have to take my mask off then the next day I have to go to Tampa for the closure so again I won’t be able to wear my mask. My vax record for covid is: 2/7/21 Moderna #1, 3/7/21 Moderna #2, 9/29/ Pfizer Omicron. I’m going to LabCorp to have antibodies checked tomorrow so am wondering if the Omicron I got last September is the same Omicron as the current one?

[Davidcara]

You should probably discuss all this with your Doctor. Difficult to say what omicron variant infected you in September and if it is the same variant that is now circulating. The current variants are omicron but, could be a different variant of omicron.

It’s a good idea to get your antibodies check. Know it is not a perfect lab test, it could give you an idea of what extent of protection you have.

Even though you are in remission, you probably do not have a normal immune system. More than likely you have no or little natural protection for your Covid infection. Could be the same from the vaccines? The covid antibody test will give you some information.

I would just ask the dermatologist to wear a mask and hopefully you should be ok. Additionally, if it were me I would get the antibody test now, and right after that I would get the bivalent Covid vaccination. I did not discuss getting a second bivalent vaccination with my MD, because I was going to get it no matter what he said. I just had it and experienced fever, chills, and feeling pretty lousy for two days. Always best to discuss with your MD though.

[Ladydi49 in reply to Davidcara]

thanks…I’m a retired nurse so I always do the research before I jump into anything

[AussieNeil Administrator in reply to Ladydi49]

Hi Ladydi,

I gather you haven't actually had COVID-19, but are just unsure of what booster you should have. I've discussed your situation with CLLerinOz and she confirms what Len lankisterguy has already advised you per healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

Both the recently FDA recommended Pfizer and Moderna boosters are the same as what was available in the USA last September, namely bivalent (original Wuhan and early Omicron- BA. 4/5). As you are past the qualifying period for a second bivalent, you can get another booster now. Given it is four weeks before your skin procedure is booked, getting it now would maximise your protection ahead of your surgery.

Neil