From information I have about kidney transplant patients in France, and from the USA, it looks like there is evidence that the suppressed immune systems of organ transplants, IBD conditions, some cancer treatments, and any other conditions that require immune suppressants, might not responding to the two jabs we all have now. That is, not ALL patients, but a considerable number, have NOT responded to the vaccinations as do normal people. The solution proposed in a letter I mistakenly got at my old French address, and the treatment of one friend in the USA with a transplant (in both places), is to have one jab of another pharmaceutical company in the hope that it "wakes up" the immune system and we transplant patients can have the same antibody reaction as normal people.
My question is whether anyone, in England, with ANY consultant, or reading or hearing ANY information, has heard about this. I have never heard it mentioned on TV or radio or in my casual reading of newspapers. I am getting a test which will maybe shed light on my own case, although there is some doubt that an "antibody test" is really useful in that regard.
So how is anyone being sure they are protected with two jabs? Any consultants know about this?
Thanks.
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I’ll ask my team at Guy’s London. Speaking to them today hopefully Nothing has been mentioned by them in advice to transplant patients so it will be interesting to hear their answer .Jo
I have had both vaccines ( Pfizer)and I spoke to a renal consultant last week about the efficacy and he said he has not been given any information at all and I should continue as I am ( shielding) as much as possible and to continue to be extra careful, so really no further forward which is so frustrating for all us transplant/ immune suppressed patients, keep safe everyone.
I am in the US, 21 + years post transplant and had both shots of the Moderna vaccine. About 2-3 weeks after getting my 2nd shot, I was tested to see if I had built up antibodies. I was positive for antibodies. I know there are a lot of transplant recipients that have built up no antibodies at all. I guess like everything, it depends on the person. Maybe it also depends on your immunosuppressants - which ones you are on and the dose. I am sure in the future this will all get sorted out. At least I hope so. I know there is a study being done now at Johns Hopkins regarding this.
Dr. Dorry Segev (Johns Hopkins) shared the latest findings today. yes, France is giving a 3rd booster to transplant patients. I wouldn't be surprised if US does the same at some point.
Here in Seattle I'm about 3 months post 2 doses of Pfizer vaccine. I'm in this limbo land where I'm not yet certain if I have little to no protection, or some significant protection. My neph at Kaiser doesn't recommend getting antibody levels checked because she's uncertain what the test results actually mean in real life - i.e. what activities would I do or not do based on the test results. I'm an MD by training, and agree with the logic there. I've been following this web page for updates on studies - nephjc.com/news/covid-vaccine - although it hasn't been updated in a while.
The data I want to start seeing are compilations of breakthrough infections of Covid in fully vaccinated immunosuppressed transplant patients. Some case studies are trickling in, and I want to see more.
My searches have discovered one interesting study. No doubt there might be others. This one actually mentions Oxford-Astra Zeneca, whereas the USA and French experience is mostly NOT with AZ, they use other vaccines. Of course who knows if there is a small difference and how that might affect us.
HiI'm in the uk. I had two doses of the astra zenecca oxford vaccine. 2nd dose 12 weeks after the first. Testing 28 days after the second dose and very little antibodies 4.6 au. My unit are not routinely testing as they advise there is too little data to understand what this means but said they would do if i really wanted. I am 13 years transplanted but on triple therapy tacrolimus, micophenalate and v low steroids. My understanding is that the meds that stop the kidney rejecting are what stops the vaccine effectiveness. We have a good web reference kidneycare.co.uk for info if anyone wants to view. Whilst i am disappointed to be honest i am not surprised. Its a case of keeping an eye on levels of cases in your community and being vigilant with your contacts . I will not be changing my routines any time soon and am keeping my fingers crossed on science and potential new options coming through albeit probably later in the year. I do not believe a booster dose will make any difference but would love to be proved wrong. Take care everyone.
I had 2 jabs and a booster for immuno-compromised people. I then had a blood test which shows I’ve created NO antibodies after 3 shots! I have heard the info about taking a booster from a different company and how it could help, but I’m in the US. All my shots were Pfizer. My transplant was 17 months ago. I take Everlimus and Prednisone daily and monthly infusions of Belatacept and Ultimirus. (Sp?). Just be very careful until Spring. That’s what I’m doing. Godspeed!
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