I got a 3rd Pfizer shot today, here is how it works.
The CDC is not really encouraging this booster. They have a list of very specific medical problems and they don't clearly extend the list to problems related to liver disease so if you are part of this community you have to read between the lines.
Like all government operations, there is the fine print. In this case, after a specific scary list with some vagueness, they provide an option for the patient to state that they belong to an approved group but they do not require proof. Very official documents and all the trimmings but if you state that you are immune-compromised with liver disease most pharmacists are going to give you the shot.
The pharmacy will connect directly to Medicare for payment so be aware that you are making a statement about your medical condition directly to the government. In my case, I know that I did not make antibodies well in the first rounds. I have been tested as part of a trial. Since you belong to this group you likely have immunity risks but you probably don't have specifics. You have to be prepared to say that you are immune compromised if you go this route and seek the booster.
At some point, I expect they will extend the definition to include us more specifically. Our immune systems are frequently compromised but they don't allow testing so it leaves us in a difficult situation if we wish to get the booster.
It is an odd situation, they are begging everyone to get vaccinated but making it difficult for those of us who believe we need the vaccine to get it.
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nash2
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My pharmacist stated that they were not giving the 3rd shot, even though it clearly says on both their website and their phone recording that they are. As I have another autoimmune issue, I will fight it this week. Since I take meds for my clotting disorder, it will be no surprise to my insurance company.
Thanks for this information Wayne. I’ve been wondering about whether I probably need a 3rd vaccine. Like you, I’ve had the 1st 2 Pfizer vaccines, but I do not know if I made the antibodies. I’ve just been concerned that I probably didn’t get the full response.
They haven't provided us with proper tests or guidance so my position is that anyone with liver disease should consider themselves to be compromised since the liver is an important part of the immune system.
One would think so but it can get confused by local rules and who is part of the vaccine distribution process. It is still being operated under emergency rules so the normal processes don't apply but ask them.
The liver is part of the immune system so anything that affects its ability to function can make you more at risk to infection but there is no clear definition of when you might be compromised. My personal view is that any level of NASH should be considered as compromised. Hopefully they will develop some better tools in the future but there isn't much now.
Proving a lot more difficult for me so far. They all say Liver Disease is NOT on the list, and don't care that I told them I am immunocompromised. Still calling around.
I got that when I called so I just showed up at a walk in place. Told them I was immune compromised and would like the shot. They had me fill out the form and it clearly lists simple immune compromised as one of the approved reasons, It is in the smaller print at the bottom of the list of reasons.
It also says that you need only attest the condition. There is no requirement for proof or for their permission, but some of these folks act like they are guarding Fort Knox. The way the forms I received are written I don't believe they have the right to question your decision to have the shot but they likely don't see themselves that way.
I asked my Dr. and she said we didn't qualify and that our immune wasn't that compromised, however I know my body and I say it is. I received the J & J so not sure how soon I can get a booster, but I'll take it when I can. I said immune vitamins everyday to help my system.
I was able to get my 3rd Pfizer shot today at my usual Walgreens Pharmacy. I went in for the annual flu shot and while there talked to the pharmacist who was giving the shots. When I filled out the forms for the flu shot there was an additional page of questions & one of them asked if I had any immune compromised conditions. One of them listed on that form was liver disease.
When she gave me the flu shot I talked to her about it and she said that she could give me the 3rd Pfizer shot in the other arm & that since I have NASH she said there was no reason for me to wait until 8 months after the 2nd Pfizer shot. It’s been 6 months since my 2nd shot as of 2 days ago, so I got both flu shot & 3rd Pfizer shot today.
Someone in this conversation asked if their liver doctor could recommend the 3rd shot. I had my monthly appointment at my liver clinic last week and the Nurse Practitioner there told me to get the 3rd shot at 8 months. At my liver clinic I was strongly encouraged to get the covid vaccine which I was able to do in February. After talking to the pharmacist and reading Wayne’s post when he got the 3rd shot, I decided to do it today and not wait 2 more months since the Delta variant is now spreading so rapidly.
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