Covid vaccine after 2nd ritixumab infusion?

[gilox]

I had my 2nd infusion a week ago, how long before I am able to have my 5th covid jab?

[Lolabridge]

please ask one of your Rheumatology team for that advice. We have had many different answers.

But please be aware that because Rituximab deletes your B cells you are likely to make a very poor response to further jabs. So please take extra care to protect yourself.

[Neonkittie17]

I’d always talk to the rheumy/nurse re timing. I had a gap of 6 months when I’d last had a Rtx around February 2021 when the vaccines were first rolled out and that wasn’t long enough for me. It stopped me producing an vaccine antibody response due to the B cells still being absent after 6 months after my prior Rtx (single) infusion. My rheumy nurse said then that it was worth a try and I agree. Talk to your own nurse or rheumy but the more distance you can put between Rtx and a Covid vaccine the better my consultants have always told me. Good luck.

[sunnyweek]

I had Retux last December and a covid jab in June this year. I'm having another in a weeks time so that will be almost 11 months. According to a study, the British Rheumatologist Society says even after 9 months we only create approx 68% antibodies.

[gilox in reply to sunnyweek]

thank you, as I have now gone down with a nasty cold,I will just have to be much more careful about wearing masks etc, I’ve not had even a sniffle for about 3 years! Hope having the retux will help stop the flares!

[sunnyweek in reply to gilox]

Yes I hope it will help your flares, and your cold soon disappears.

[Jillyanne]

I am also on Rituximab, had mine last week .

Been told so many different times to have my covid vaccination .

2 months to 6 months 🤷‍♀️ Seeing Rheumatologist on Tuesday, will ask him.

I am fully vaccinated and I really cannot remember waiting 6 months before !!!!!

I do wish they would all work from the same page , would make it so much easier

[Evie3]

i was told a month

[StormySeas]

I believe the longer you can leave it the better. I’m on RTX and wear a mask in crowded places as am not sure there is any consensus on how much protection the vaccine confers to RTX patients. Better safe than sorry. I had a RTX top up in June and a 5th jab in October

[AgedCrone in reply to StormySeas]

I honestly think nobody really knows….but from those on here who have been tested & found not to have antibodies ….I don’t think anybody has reported catching Covid.

But from looking at results of various studies from different countries you are right - it does seem the longer you wait the better.

I have yet to read of any clinician who has advised there is no point having any Covid Vaccination because of no antibodies……but whether that is the case…or is it that nobody has admitted that has been the advice they have been given…..who knows?

[gilox]

A heartfelt thanks to all that were kind enough to reply to my question, I did try to contact the RA department, got asked to leave a message,then it said “ no more messages can be taken”. But have decided to wait until December when I have a telephone appointment with rheumatology! But again thank you all so very much for taking the time to help. 🥰

[liveinwoods]

I was told to wait 5 weeks after Rituxin to have my Covid shots. I agree with the advice about B cell depletion after a Rituxin infusion. It might be wise to request an antibody test to check for the level of protection after your shot. ( I have had three shots and have created no antibodies to Covid )

[MissMinto]

I had exactly the same query and emailed my Rheumatology nurse who sent me this link to the BRS guidelines - basically it’s best to wait as long as possible, but three months minimum:

rheumatology.org.uk/practic...