Antibodies after Covid vaccine

[Harrypotter2930]

Hi all how do you know if you have produced antibodies against Covid? I have had 3 full vaccines and am due a fourth soon.

[bpeal1]

The only way is to pay for a private test. However, as nobody knows what level of antibodies give you good protection they are of limited value.

[Neonkittie17 in reply to bpeal1]

To me it was really valuable to know zero antibodies from a spike protein test I did and sent off as it meant my immunologist requested I repeat vaccines one and two. Then my immunologist did/requested another test via my GP nurse and same again, zero antibodies. Now that I have B cells replenished some 10 months after last Rtx and no more Rtx, I’m repeating vaccines 1&2. Of course we still don’t know what level is a threshold for vaccine efficacy although some numbers have been mentioned on here from people posting, but we know zero isn’t good which was what I needed to ascertain, being on Rtx. Hence I’m told to act unvaccinated till I hopefully catch up.

[Lolabridge]

If you were immune suppressed (through medication or underlying medical conditions) at the time you had the vaccinations the chances are you will not have made a full response to them. So I suggest you just get your next (and subsequent) vaccination, like the rest of us!

I got a spike protein antibody test done in September and had almost a zero response so as bpeal1 advises, don't bother paying for a test.

[helixhelix]

I am not in the UK, so I got a spike protein test from my doctor. As others have said no one really knows yet what level you need to be fully protected, but anything over 0.8 is classed as positive and I was 250. So it reassured me.

Depends on whether that vagueness would reassure you as to whether it’s worth paying for one.

[GinnyE]

I have paid for several through Lloyds. After first two Astra Zeneca jabs I had 1000. After a few months I did another test and it had dropped to 400. After third primary vaccine it went to >2500. I wanted some kind of indication as to protection. I know these numbers are not a definitive answer. I had a fourth jab, booster, in December and I have booked a Spring jab for tomorrow.

[Neonkittie17 in reply to GinnyE]

It shows your booster really boosted you though. x

[Runrig01]

I have paid for antibody tests after my 2nd, 3rd and 4th. They recommended to wait for 6 weeks if immunosuppressed. All 3 tests showed I had a strong response consistent with being fully vaccinated. I’m on 5 immunosuppressants plus 2 steroid inhalers, and really just needed reassurance the vaccines were doing something. It hasn’t changed my habits, b cause we don’t know what numbers protect you.

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Runrig01]

Again, that’s great as it shows your booster really did boost. 👏🏻

[skinclinic]

Hi - I took a private test via Monitor My Health on line They use the Roche pharmaceutical company’s testing system

You just need to but the £39 one that tests for post vaccination antibodies .., not the £60 ish one that also tests to def if you have had Covid in the past

My 1st test reading was 206 … and that is considered a low reading … it it was taken almost 5 months after I had my 2nd dose

However I had another test kit 2 weeks afeta my 3rd dose and it was 2500+ indicating a good anti body level but tbh the actual readings are still yet to be certified

[oldtimer2]

Unless it will1. change your behaviour to being more sociable (I feel I should continue not to expose myself unnecessarily)

2. alter your actions about having another booster dose (I'm having any vaccines that are offered)

It's not worth paying for it.

Also, it doesn't give any guide as to what level your memory T cells and B cells are. They are the cells which gear up as part of your back-up (Adaptive) immune system and the B cells produce the antibodies from the information they already have. So even if your levels are lowish, your memory cells might be able to mount a response when attacked by Coronovirus, in whatever variant we will encounter in the future.