covid vaccine?

[GinaD]

So, I see that not only are British APS patients more likely to consult with an APS knowledgable doctor then we in the States, but you have earned vaccine approval before us. Any prevailing perspectives on whether the vaccine is safe or helpful for us APS patients? (As many of you know, that dreaded Covid cytokine storm is generated by antiphospholipid antibodies. So .... is a covid vaccine safe for us? Or not?)

And, no, I am not an anti-vaxxer. Just got the 2nd part of my 2 part shingles shot and have already had my flu jab for the year. And my physician Father predicted back in the late 50s/ early 60s, that rising population by declining public health care, would lead to future pandemics. He gave me a HUGE! dose in a smallpox shot so that were the disease to reemerge in my old age, I would still be immune. And yes, that huge dose did make me sick -- lying on he couch with a mild fever and a huge "pox" at the injection site.

[Mermaidatheart]

Good question GinaD!I am located in the states and concur with your opinion about finding knowledgeable doctors concering APS here.

I to am not not an anti-vaxer, but what to be informed. Just yesterday got my second shingle shot as well. Just feeling mild "mommy I don't feel good" systems! My injection site feels like someone punched in the arm, but the shot itself is nothing...

[HollyHeski Administrator]

Hi, good question, a lot of us thinking the same lines, I personally tap into ant science discussion when I hear 'vaccine ''autoimmune' etc..Some of us have a reaction to the normal flu jab, I dont, I take with no issues, fortunately.

The scientist in the uk are telling us - it's safe for us to have the vaccine, but no guarantee that our autoimmune system will respond and give us immunity.

Add on to that, it takes at least 4 weeks from 1st injection to start making anti bodies. (There are two doses).

I think personally only time will tell and until I feel safe I will continue to be extra careful.

[Cinn987 in reply to HollyHeski]

Hi, I contacted my APS specialist in Newcastle UK and asked this very question. The same consultant who advised I continue to shield, no shopping, no one in the house, outside family get together only, which I have been doing alone for 9 months. Her advice was that it's not a live vaccine and I have the flu shot they have no advice saying it's a problem for any of their Rheumatology patients with overactive immune systems. I've yet to find out the scientists view as I too am concerned it will trigger our already overactive destructive immune systems. I want a safe vaccine so I can at least see my daughter and grandaughter and my emotional health is currently rock bottom. I have asthma and sicca underactive thyroid and raynauds, I take only warfarin and thyroid if that helps make the picture any clearer. We are all so different with the various auto immune conditions and treatments we are on. I would like to k ow if autoimmune patients were involved in the trials but don't know how to access this info. Dilemma isn't it?

[Hidden]

Hi. I was told by a Dr it creates an over active immune response, attacking the healthy cells too. That statement made me want to wait. I want more research on both Covid and the vaccine. Take care everyone

[MaryF Administrator]

I am keeping an eye on it all, it may be suitable for my children, any one of them, however for me it is unlikely due to the catastrophic reactions I have to medications, not allowed a Flu jab. MaryF

[Tofino5]

I’m glad you asked this question. I read everything I can about it. I tend to have reactions to meds & vaccines and would love to have a covid vaccine and be able to live more normally again. I’m very careful, rarely go out except for walks, always mask up, wash hands so much they are terribly cracked and dry. I’m fortunate to have an APS specialist here in the US.

[tennis4life]

This reply is well done Londi. I just posted a request for info (fact check) on the safety of the vaccines. I'm including your post as useful info in my continued research on this. Thanks!

[GinaD in reply to tennis4life]

Our Kelly from Texas administrator solved a puzzle for me when she deduced that the common denominator in all the meds that have induced anaphylaxis in me have been PEGs -polyethalene glycols. Most if not all bad reactions to Moderna and Phizer jabs can be attributed to PEG allergies.

PEG allergies are not officially diagnosable because PEG is a whole family of chemicals and one may react to some but not others. Currently, a sensitivity is only established if blood work is drawn withn 30-60 minutes after having a serious reactin. If the IgE number is high-there's the official PEG allergy diagnosis.

The J&J and A-Z vaccines do not have PEGs, so... my doctor and I agrees I should wait for one of these. So far, I have been able to avoid a definite covid infection. But IMHO, covid is here to stay and I think the risks associated with the jab pale in comparison to the risks of contracting a serious case of covid. A good friend just retured home earlier this week after weeks in the hospital. He is young-ish, in good health ( lives in a rural area.) yet he still nearly died. His recovery has been very slow.

We have to learn how to live with this bug, and we need to limit its spread before it evolves beyond our ability to treat and control.

[tennis4life in reply to GinaD]

Thanks for you reply Gina. It's really important to be proactive regarding a prophylactic approach to covid prior to actually contracting the virus. Early intervention is vital. Perhaps you may already have addressed this, but I recommend checking out the Covid protocol established by the Eastern Virginia Medical School and discussing with your doctor: google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q...

Let me know if this link doesn't work. I take all of the supplements and also have a prescription for Ivermectin filled so that I can take immediately upon the onset of symptoms and/or a positive test result for Covid.

[GinaD in reply to tennis4life]

Thank you. I will check my multi vitamin to see if it matches the zinc and vitamin C levels. I already take D, and melatonin. The lay out of treating the disease in stages makes a lot of sense. Thankss for sharing!