Efficacy of Covid Vaccine if immune compromised

[christine2715]

I am clinically highly vulnerable , taking three medications which compromise your immune system, Predisilone, Mycophenelate Tocilizumbab. Does anyone know if there is any data yet as to how well the vaccine works in this situation. I am delighted to say I had the vaccine yesterday.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

No, no data - they won't have had time to collect much from patients with such complex histories - it really does take time to find that many patients and to do the relevant tests or observation of how many don't get Covid and it is recommended that good shielding is maintained until at least a week after the second jab. The first jab is unlikely to be enough to prevent infection in anyone even if it does reduce the risk of severe illness,

[MrsNails]

This is why the Government Guidelines say that if we are classed as CEV we have to continue to Shield, as they have just started Vaccinating Group Four (CEV) it will be some time before there is any evidence.

In the meantime we have to keep our fingers crossed, remain cautious & hopefully keep safe & well.

Best Wishes

MrsN

[Kafkaontheshore]

Hi. I am shielding as many of us will be as have inflammatory disease (GCA) and on steroids and Methotrexate which suppress immune system. I was triaged to see a doctor before I had my COVID vaccine as have had previous anaphylaxis. He told me the vaccine wouldn’t be as effective for me due to immune suppression. I don’t think anyone can tell us yet how effective it is for us though. I think any protection is better than none though!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Kafkaontheshore]

He doesn't know - but I think they are hoping that the longterm memory part of immunity will be not too bad. Although patients on treatments that affect t-cells will lag behind.