Covid antibodies

[Sandpiperx]

Hi,

I am 66 and have had PCB and AIH for 20 years. I am very lucky and have been relatively symptom free.

I have been a member of the Biobank for most of this time and they asked if l would do a survey on covid antibodies . I thought nothing of it and completed the blood test as directed. It turns out l have no antibodies against covid because of the azothriopine l take. There instructions said not to worry or change your lifestyle if you had a negative result as you could still be covered by your T cells.

I feel like l have lost my comfort blanket! Is there any guidance available for people who take immunosuppressants as to where we go next. I have read that 54% of people may develop some antibodies but will not have full protection. Should we still be shielding? I don't believe that there is much research information available.

Thanks, Marie

[iagra]

I'm sorry, I must be missing something. Did you have covid or have been vaccinated against covid? If you had neither, you won't have antibodies.

[Sandpiperx in reply to iagra]

Sorry, l wasn't clear. I have had both vaccinations. I did not seek out an antibody test. Biobank has tracked my health for 20 odd years as part of random medical research. Their literature advised not to worry as old age (l'm only 66) or medication (immunosuppresants) could be the cause of no antibodies. They said T cells could still give some protection. I am not panicking but would only like some sound advice for myself and the many others who take immunosuppresants and believe themselves to be pretty well covered by the vaccination. Thanks for your advice.

[iagra in reply to Sandpiperx]

Thanks for clarifications. Maybe the researchers who followed you for all these years, can answer your questions? Best of luck to you!

[Odieweb]

You should have a COVID vaccination it is recommended for those with PBC then you will have antibodies

[Candy12]

On the assumption you’ve had the vaccine, given you say you feel like you've lost your comfort blanket.

I would suggest speaking to your doctors about your concerns, however some of your protection will come from those around you, having had the vaccine. That’s why it’s so important for everyone to get the vaccine, the more people have the jab, the less this virus can spread.

The PBC foundation have a very good medical team who answers questions every Thursday afternoon on their Facebook page, that might be a good question to ask, why not give them a call.

[roseter]

I have also had the Biobank test for anti bodies (negative)and have had both vaccines. They explain that it is more likely that you will get a negative result as the vaccine doesn't show up. Really don't worry, most people have negative results 🙂

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to roseter]

Per the FDA in the US:

In people who have received a COVID-19 vaccination, antibody testing is not recommended to determine whether you are immune or protected from COVID-19.

Many antibody tests are currently in development or available for use to detect antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. However, not all antibody tests that are being marketed to the public have been evaluated and authorized by the FDA.

The antibodies tests at least in US can detect covid infection antibodies but none of the tests can confirm vaccine immunity so it is just not done here unless it is for an actual suspected infection.