I wrote to my MP regarding reduced vaccine effectiveness in people on immunosuppressant medication - here’s the reply.

[KeenGreen]

I asked what what research is being done to assess vaccine efficacy in people taking immunosuppressant medications and, if the vaccines are less effective in this situation, what strategies and advice is being developed for this patient group.

This is the response from my MP. I’ve removed names etc.

"Thank you for your email. I understand that early vaccination data indicates lower protection in vaccinated adults who are immunosuppressed and that Public Health England is monitoring the effectiveness of vaccination in clinical risk groups, including those with immunosuppression. I will write to the Department for Health and Social Care on your behalf to raise the question of research and strategies for this group. I will monitor any developments in this area and let you know once I receive a response. “

I’ll post an update once I get something useful back. If anyone else wants to email their MP this might help speed up getting advice/action.

[helixhelix]

Sorry to sound negative, but a mass writing campaign about research that is underway could just take up time of people better occupied in analysing the results.

I know its frustrating, but until there is data no-one can come up with a strategy. We are only 6 months in to the vaccination campaign, so very early days.

[KeenGreen in reply to helixhelix]

It isn’t my intention to create a mass campaign, just to bring some attention to this which is clearly troubling a few of us - see the earlier post on this.

[MadBunny]

Thank you for asking your MP and thank you for sharing the reply 🐰

[KittyJ]

I'm not sure what difference it will make to me to know I have antibodies or not really. I've got a test kit here in front of me but I will only do it for the research, the result will not affect me, I'd still have to go to work. I've been careful and will continue to be until I feel safer but I understand others may need the reassurance.

[Aperson99]

Thanks for posting this. There is an interesting study by UCL called Virus Watch and they looked at the antibody responses to the vaccines broken down into clinical conditions/drugs taken. I’ve attached the photos. It shows those on immunosuppressive drugs have a reduced antibody level but like the authors say, it’s unsure how this will play out with regard getting the disease and if so how bad. Also with new variants appearing it’s difficult for clinical research to keep up. I’m interested in looking at those patients hospitalised, what is the percentage breakdown of those on immunosuppressive compared to those not, also more clearly what type of drugs.

Antibody response to vaccines

[Brushwork]

There is a study being undertaken into this it is called the Octave study. We are all awaiting the results, but meantime... live life with a bit of caution, is my view.

[AgedCrone]

It will will be quite a while before it if will be possible to answer this question with any authority…..even the best scientists in the world need time before they will be able to give any answers. They will need to gather information from thousands of people …all with different compromised immune systems……& that will take a long time-so don’t expect any detailed information any time soon.Even when there are answers ………it will probably be a very general opinion….much like the discussions that went on as to which vaccination would be better for people with AI diseases…..& there still, isn’t a definitive answer to that.

[ATSF]

I have had both jabs for some time. I was asked to take part in Antibody research, the result was that I had not developed any Antibodies and told not to worry about it. Have asked several in the NHS appointments about it and get a stoney silence. Taking Hydroxychloroquine and Prednisolone.

[WillowsMother in reply to ATSF]

Wow, interesting you were told not to worry about it! Did they think you still have some protection even though no antibodies have shown up, or has the vaccination had no effect at all and they think you'll be protected by the fact that the majority of the population will be vaccinated? I'm also interested to know whether you had any side effects after each jab?

[ATSF in reply to WillowsMother]

Can’t get any answers so no idea. I had no side effects from the first one, second time felt a bit off colour for a couple of days. Wife no side effects both times. Son, no side effects both times. Daughter, felt like she had a bad cold for two days with headaches. Second dose no effects at all. Son in law, rather ill for about 4 days thought he had the flu. Second dose, no side effects at all. Both makes involved myself and wife the Phz, the other all the Astro turf.

[smilelines in reply to ATSF]

You would think that because you felt off color for a few days the vaccine would have worked better and you would have antibodies. I had my second shot two days ago and felt really terrible yesterday. I thought that was a good sign but now I am not so sure. 🤷‍♀️

[Sheila_G]

I understand your frustration, I am feeling the same. We would feel so much more relaxed if we knew we had a decent amount of immunity from the vaccines. I also agree with helixhelix. Research takes time and although it seems a lot longer it is only 6 months since the vaccininations started. As I have said before on here, I treat everyone as though they are a threat to me and I a threat to them. Masks, keeping well away from anyone and washing, washing, washing. I just pray that our immunity will be greater than we are led to believe.

[Nuttyshirlz]

I also still act when out and about like everyone as it. So I’m super careful. What also worries me Is the amount of ppl who have stopped using sanitizer in shops

[medway-lady]

Some clinics are doing tests on kidney patients and so far all I've heard is some do and some don't its very early and not just about antibodies its very complicated so my view is be careful but not obsessive. I'm not sure any MP can really do anything its now up to the scientists who need enough time to monitor the ongoing situation. This time last year there was no vaccine so I'm just grateful that we have had ours and for the vast majority of people it works. Eventually we'll know but the old flu vaccine wasn't 100% anyway.

[smilelines]

Interesting question about the strategies because if the first two vaccinations didn't work for us then what is the point in revaccinating us a third time. I think one strategy could be to provide us with testing so that we know if we have any antibodies. Hopefully, lots will get vaccinated so that will protect us.