Do PV patients need a fourth Covid vaccine?

[souplover]

I have PV and am on hydroxyurea. I'm very confused - and not getting clear guidance from my hematologist.

Should PV patients go for a fourth shot? If so, should that be a fourth primary vaccine or a booster shot?

What does it mean that my bloodwork showed negative for antibodies for immune response to Covid? I assume that's because of the hydroxyurea, but after 3 shots, could that mean I truly have no immune response??

What is the most accurate way to test for antibodies? It seems that the CDC says not to rely on these tests.

Very confused!

[Dodders]

I am 2+ years post stem cell transplant and I also was having similar questions to you so I called the Blood Cancer help line. I spoke with a very kind and helpful person who sent me several links with information and advice. I can only suggest you might call their help line for advice and help with your questions. Good luck.

[MWxxxx]

From the info on Blood Cancer uk website, anyone with an MPN is considered as having blood cancer and therefore are eligible for a 4th dose of vaccine. They should have 3 primary doses (the 3rd 8 weeks after the 2nd) and then a 4th - the booster (3 months after the 3rd). Unfortunately, the antibody testing does not tell you everything about your immune response. You may have had antibodies which have now gone, or the vaccine did not give you any antibodies. Either way, that is not the full story as your immune system is more than just antibodies, there are other parts to it which we cannot measure so easily but may or may not give you protection. As already suggested, either ring blood cancer uk or read through all the info on their website - it is really good and gives lots of different scenarios similar to the questions you are asking.