Venesection and Covid 19 Vaccine

[DavidBates]

I have PV Jak2 positive. Every three or four months I have a venesection to keep my HCT value low. Otherwise doing OK on medication. Not really understanding how the vaccine works within our bodies I am wondering if having regular venesections and reducing the blood level for a time would also reduce the level of vaccine and hence Covid protection. I am curious if anyone similar to me has received advice on this.

David

[Chaz1]

I don't know the exact answer but as people are still being encouraged to donate blood & that's usually every 4 months or so then venesections shouldn't have an impact. Your immune system is written into your bodies defence system not into the blood cell itself so it replicates itself. Basically the vaccine is to get your body to recognise the protein that the virus uses to attach to cells. As the body then recognises the protein if you come in contact with the virus your body attacks it & stops it. So long story short you will be fine with having your venesections & the vaccine. They might say not to have one within the first week or so if anything. But check that with your consultant beforehand.

[mark382]

I've often thought about this as I have the flu jab. I'm sure there is a medical term for this, but my understanding in simple terms is that your body recognises an alien body and creates defenses to tackle it. I assumed these defenses stayed circulating in your system, but apparently once the immune system has created a defence it rembers what to do next time it encounters the foreign body. Stay safe.

[Maisie10]

Hello David. I am exactly the same as you on meds and venesection every 3 months to keep my HCT down. My haematology team have advised me to have it , so I am going to have it as soon as possible.