3rd Vaccine shot

[sujay1991]

I am 8 months post transplant and have taken both my vaccine shots in April. But unfortunately I didn’t produce antibodies to the vaccine according to my results. So I am thinking of taking the booster shot . So my question is : has anyone taken the booster shot and was there any side effects? Secondly,after taking the booster , did you produce antibodies ? If so what medication are you on? I am on tacrolimus and myfortic and took Pfizer for the 2 doses .

[danielleblock]

I received a third dose of Moderna 4 months after my second dose. I produced antibodies after the second dose, so expect more after third. In terms of side effects, I felt tired and achy for about 12 hours. That was it!

[JackN in reply to danielleblock]

I'm glad you have good results even with minimal side effects. For all 3 of mine I basically had a small headache and some fatigue for a day or so. I have no idea what my immune response has been since no one seems to agree on how to test it. Do you mind if I ask what tests you had? Thx!

[NoCaGirl in reply to JackN]

To test for antibody response after vaccine, I got the SARS-CoV semi-quantitative total antibody test

[JackN in reply to NoCaGirl]

Thanks, that's really helpful!

[PostivelyJo]

I’ve just had 3rd Pfizer and a flu jab is just round the corner too

[Eyak1971]

Just had my third shot of Moderna a couple weeks ago. Sore arm but no other side effects to date.

[PuggyWuggy]

Hi. I received my third dose of Pfizer on August 19th. I had no side effects to any of tyhe three doses I received. I take tacrolimus, prednisone mycophenolate, and sensipar.

[pops81]

I think I'm one of the few here who got the J & J - one and done. Months after the shot still scored a big goose egg on the antibodies and with agreement with my doctor, practicing safe science till news about J & J boosters. Mask, six feet or more and frequent hand washing. Although a visit to Mohegan that is on the calendar may end up cancelled. Still going about my life but hoping soon for booster approval for the J & J. But good news, getting my flu shot today! Good luck with your booster.

[LisaSnow in reply to pops81]

Do you mean you did or didn't get measurable antibodies?

[pops81 in reply to LisaSnow]

Two labs were done. One for the protein spike, to see if I had covid-19 in the past and one for antibodies. The covid-19 protein spike test was negative and the test for antibodies - no measurable antibodies was the result. I know the number is not as important nor is the test considered a reliable way to measure my "vaccination" strength. I understand the T cells importance in all of this so I'm not to concerned about the low count.

[LisaSnow in reply to pops81]

I hope for the J & J booster too since this pandemic just seems to linger on and on thanks to a subset of the population who don't care about science or others. For the immunocompromised I think the biggest challenge is how to balance our expectation and unclear reality while achieving an acceptable norm. Since nothing is 100% guaranteed, we always need to take some risks in order get back to our "normal self". How to make it a calculated yet smart move is the challenge isn't it?

[LisaSnow in reply to pops81]

You may have read this already but the good news is that it may be available to you soon. nytimes.com/2021/09/21/heal...

[pops81 in reply to LisaSnow]

Thank you I have and keeping my fingers crossed for boosters for all prior to Thanksgiving. Have a great day.

[Gardner-NY]

My spouse had his 3rd Pfizer shot in August . He is on cellcept, prednisone and Tacrolimus for over 2. 5 yrs. THe John Hopkins medical study on this topic of covid vaccinations (Pfizer or Moderna only) given to whole organ transplants even after the 3rd shot is now showing good results for the majority of people to make antibodies OR enough to give t hem protection against covid19. Their study also stated that people on Cellcept (I cannot spell the actual chemical name with "m"), but they were 5 times less likely to make antibodies against covid19. So my spouse and I continue to live in a 'bubble' for almost 3 yrs due to his many medical problems after transplant for 13 months and now due to covid. I wish medical science can find answers to help you all get protection so that you (and me) can live a more normal lifestyle in some ways. Take care of yourself.

[LisaSnow in reply to Gardner-NY]

Has he had S protein antibody level tested? After two weeks of his booster shot it may be worthwhile to find out if he has antibodies instead of assuming that he doesn't. For one the psychological relief will be worth it. At risk patients can and should still go out for the sake of our psychological health. As long as we practice strict mask wearing (KN 90 or double masking) and sanitization protocol, returning to church, attending an outdoor event, or even having a meal at the restaurant at non-peak hours (first hour or last hour of opening) are things we shouldn't give up.

[Gardner-NY in reply to LisaSnow]

HI LisaSnow, My spouse' doctors are not yet ready for ? reason to do all this lab work. I don't know why. I cannot answer you. WE just know what several medical studies have revealed on this topic. My spouse always double masks and still is not comfortable inside buildings or inside friend's homes and more. Not in his comfort level.

[LisaSnow in reply to Gardner-NY]

His hesitation is understandable. Baby steps perhaps.

You may be able to get the S protein antibody tier measured (out of pocket) at a private lab too. The truth is everyone is different, just because one is on a medication that is associated with making fewer antibodies does not mean that person doesn't make good antibodies.

[NoCaGirl]

I got 3 doses of Moderna. Unfortunately I produced no antibodies. I am on tacrolimus and cellcept. 1 year post transplant. I am also asplenic. I think people who don't produce any antibodies after 3 doses should be allowed to get preventive monoclonal antibody treatments so we get some level of protection like everyone else has the opportunity to get.

[LisaSnow in reply to NoCaGirl]

If you were exposed or got infected yes you will be given priority to receive the monC antibody treatment. Taking it without being infected not only doesn't help (because it doesn't last in the system), without a "job" to do, it could cause harm.

[LisaSnow in reply to NoCaGirl]

Rest assure even without measurable B cell produced antibodies your T cells have been trained and are doing their job to protect you. If you still worry, you could ask your clinic to give you a second booster a few months later and temporarily withhold your MMF at that time. A new study suggests that a temporary hold in mycophenolate therapy is safe, and it augments the humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in diverse patients. Of course they will have to consider all aspects of your (and transplant's) health, but it is a strategy that may help boost your vaccine associated antibody production.

Finally, if you live in CA as your name suggests, CA is no. 1 State with lowest infection rate in this country. That should give you some sense of relief. Try not to be too worried.

[NoCaGirl in reply to LisaSnow]

Thanks, Lisa, for your insights and ideas (stopping Mycophenolate mofetil before a possible 4th vaccine). I did reduce my cellcept for just the day before, of, and after my 2nd& 3rd vaccines - to no avail, but possiblya longer pause is better. I can ck with team).

You are right- I am safer here in California than lower rates of vaccination &/ or higher infection rates. 👍

The infectious disease specialist I consulted with at my center told me my situation is "unique" because of my asplenic status. The only way to get protection may be periodic prophylactic treatments.

It's hard not to worry because a breakthrough infection in a SOT is likely more serious, but I have to live my life, too.

I'm trying to find that balance- it's hard.

Thanks for your words of reassurance- always nice to think positive, healing thoughts😊

[CA_Coast]

I am in the JH study and had no antibodies after the first two Pfizer shots. Now after the third, yes! Taking tacrolimus and generic Myfortic. Age 68

[EricaTO]

I received my first Moderna shot 3 months after my transplant. At the same, I was temporarily off Mycophenolate due to very low white blood cells, so I was optimistic. I went on to get the 2nd dose as well as a booster a few months later. Then my epidemiologist said that he would be surprised if the initial doses worked at all, because I had injunctive therapy—a super-heavy dose of anti-immune drugs—during the transplant, and the drugs would still be in my system 3 months later. He thought I should start the whole process over again. Against his advice (for reasons already mentioned in this thread), I bought a Quest antibody S test on my own ($75); the results were negative. Yes, I am hoping that T cells provide some protection but I am still discouraged. I am willing to get the vaccines all over again but I don’t think you can. I will ask a doctor at my next consultation.

[LisaSnow in reply to EricaTO]

Did you get your transplant just three months ago?

[EricaTO in reply to LisaSnow]

No, now almost a year ago, but my first vaccine was in January, 3 months after the transplant.

[LisaSnow in reply to EricaTO]

So you got your first shot Jan, second shot Feb., and booster when? How long after the booster did you check for S protein antibody?

[EricaTO in reply to LisaSnow]

Booster early July, enough time for antibodies to develop, since my antibody test was last week.

[LisaSnow in reply to EricaTO]

Indeed!