Negative for Antibodies after Vaccination

[Transplant2018]

I'm in the Johns Hopkins study to test for Covid antibodies produced by vaccine in transplant patients. My results indicate that three weeks after my first dose (Moderna) I was negative for Covid-19 antibodies.

Has anyone else received results?

[Kidney2014]

I got my second dose of the Pfizer vaccine at my transplant hospital. My neph requested labs for antibodies, but she was specific in asking for labs two weeks after the Pfizer shot. She didn’t think it was necessary to do labs after the first vaccine because it might be inconclusive. So will keep you posted after I get results after two doses.

By the way, I experiences no side effects except for a sore upper arm for a day.

[bluskidog in reply to Kidney2014]

I too tested negative for antibodies after my first dose (Pfizer). I’m still waiting to receive the test kit for after the second dose. Very interested to see if two doses will make a difference

[Annerose1 in reply to bluskidog]

Did you have to request the test? I had my first shot and. Getting the second shot next week. Want to make sure that I be protected. Thanks.

[Transplant2018 in reply to Annerose1]

Was tested because I'm in the study.

[bluskidog in reply to Annerose1]

I am also in the Johns Hopkins study. Waiting for the next test kit for results of my second shot

[KathleenMA]

I just found this on line.

Dr. Fauci on immunosuppressive people and vaccine

[Mgt8 in reply to KathleenMA]

Thanks for sharing this. The whole article is very interesting...ajmc.com/view/taking-immuno...

[desperateboy]

Oh, It,s bad to get vaccinated for nothing. I read a topic at this forum saying that a nephrologist said'' leave Cellcept for a few days before vaccine''. Most doctors are against this. They suggested me to keep taking medicines. But when I got chickenpox, I left my Cellcept for 1 week, nothing happened. I wanted to leave before vaccination but my doctor didn't want me to leave immunosuppressants. So, unfortunately, I don't think I'll get enough antibodies too.

[LisaSnow in reply to desperateboy]

You certainly didn't get vaccinated "for nothing". Not having detectable antibodies can mean a number of things including the TEST itself is not specific to detect the spike protein form of antibodies. A better test that's under R&D will change that result. Also, even with a diminished immune response you are PROTECTED from dying from contracting COVID. That is a bid deal and we should all be grateful for having received a vaccine.

[CA_Coast]

Negative after second Pfizer 🙁

[LisaSnow in reply to CA_Coast]

It may be a false negative because the current antibody test was developed to pick up antibody formed after a real infection. The antibody that our body produced after mRNA vaccinations are against only the spikes portion of the virus, making the existing antibody test unreliable. This is why many doctors are hesitant to prescribe antibody test post vaccination because unreliable results can lead to unnecessary anxiety, incorrect clinical decisions, or patient behavior. I wouldn't worry about your antibody result. Instead, just focusing on keeping up with social distancing and mask wearing until a higher % of the population got vaccinated.

[Transplant2018 in reply to LisaSnow]

The John's Hopkins study is testing for antibodies to the spike protein.

[LisaSnow in reply to Transplant2018]

Was that the study CA_coast was in?

[Transplant2018 in reply to LisaSnow]

I don't know.

[LisaSnow in reply to Transplant2018]

Did you get your Spike protein antibody result back after the second vaccine dose? Could you tell me the reference range (of non reactivity) Hopkins used and your reading? My university developed our own.

[Transplant2018 in reply to LisaSnow]

I was still negative after the second dose. They did not provide reference ranges.

[LisaSnow in reply to Transplant2018]

I am sorry it tested negative. Will you be re-tested?

[Transplant2018 in reply to LisaSnow]

Yes, the study now retests every 3 m for a year. At which university were you tested?

[Slcallat]

This is very interesting. I will have my 2nd dose this week. Also, unfortunately I actually contracted Covid last year. I think after my 2nd dose I will request antibody testing for myself.

[Hidden in reply to Slcallat]

Having had COVID last year, did you have a reaction to the first shot? About when did you get COVID? Thanks!

[Slcallat in reply to Hidden]

I tested positive for Covid last year 2 days before Thanksgiving last year. I’m on dialysis but was relatively asymptomatic with only a slight fever for 1 day. Actually I would not have known I had it if it were not for my father-in-law and husband exhibiting symptoms. My Father-in-law sadly didn’t make it.

No symptoms at all with the first Covid vaccine😊.

[Hidden in reply to Slcallat]

My heart ❤️ goes out to you about your father-in-law. My covid was earlier last year and it was absolutely atrocious for 3 weeks. Most likely don’t have antibodies. Do let me know how your second shot goes!

[Hidden in reply to Slcallat]

Me again. Have you had your 2nd vac yet? Like you, I had covid last year, and last week, I had a boatload of side effects to the second vaccine. Keep me posted on your experience please!

[Mgt8 in reply to Slcallat]

That sounds a good idea....👍

[Slcallat]

Will do😊. Keeping my fingers crossed!🤞.

My husband who is very very healthy had a tough time with Covid too. Seeing it up close and personal was so scary. We’ve been married 40 years and he’s never been sick like this. OMG! What a year 2020 was. Lost my transplant and Covid.

[LisaSnow in reply to Slcallat]

I am so sorry that you lost your transplant during this already trying pandemic. Was it an acute rejection?

[Grateful9]

I too am in this study. I have hasp 2 doses ofvModerna. I tested negative for antibodies in Johns Hopkins study twice. My nephrologist in Houston also tested for spike protein antibodies and I was negative twice. I have had stay at home orders since last March. Has anyone else been told to stay home? Has anyone tested positive for antibodies after vaccines.

[Hidden in reply to Grateful9]

Did you have any vaccine side effects, besides a sore arm, to either of your shots? Not sure if this helps but you’re not the only one under house arrest since last March. In it Together!

[Grateful9 in reply to Hidden]

I just had the sore arm. I am sorry you are under house arrest too. I told my husband last night I wishI had someone to talk to that was in my situation. Are you allowed to see family members not vaccinated. I have a new grandson out of state I would love to visit. Thank you so much for your reply. We will get thru this!

[Hidden in reply to Grateful9]

No, I'm not willing to see unvaccinated family members or friends and I'm waiting to see research on the antibody response to the second vaccine One thing I do to stay sane is to take a walk everyday in my neighborhood, no matter the weather. Is that a possibility for you?

[Grateful9 in reply to Hidden]

You are so kind. I do like to walk in the neighborhood weather pending and health pending. I am very blessed to do things as I have numerous health issues. Thank you so much. It’s great to have someone to relate to.