Timing of Covid vaccine/boosters and rituximab
It's been an interesting week. Late last week, I asked Dr VillaForte if I could get my Covid booster now rather than waiting until late February (a month before my next infusion). She wanted me to get an anti-spike protein antibody test first, so I did. This is the test for Covid antibodies. My result was "no detectable antibodies". I got the Covid booster a few days ago (with Dr VillaForte's belated blessing).I had a reaction similar to my second dose of vaccine. (All I've taken so far is Pfizer.) Low-grade fever, muscle aches, and fatigue that lasted about 24 hours.
I had both doses of Pfizer vaccine in February. I had rtx infusions in March and September. Two months after the second rtx, I had no Covid antibodies.
As I look into the future, it looks like I'll have to strike a balance between wiping out my immune system and maintaining some degree of immunity to Covid and the flu. Any thoughts or similar experiences?
Re: Timing of Covid vaccine/boosters and rituximab
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Pete
It's been an interesting week. Late last week, I asked Dr VillaForte if I could get my Covid booster now rather than waiting until late February (a month before my next infusion). She wanted me to get an anti-spike protein antibody test first, so I did. This is the test for Covid antibodies. My result was "no detectable antibodies". I got the Covid booster a few days ago (with Dr VillaForte's belated blessing).I had a reaction similar to my second dose of vaccine. (All I've taken so far is Pfizer.) Low-grade fever, muscle aches, and fatigue that lasted about 24 hours.
I had both doses of Pfizer vaccine in February. I had rtx infusions in March and September. Two months after the second rtx, I had no Covid antibodies.
As I look into the future, it looks like I'll have to strike a balance between wiping out my immune system and maintaining some degree of immunity to Covid and the flu. Any thoughts or similar experiences?
I got my first two vaccines in April. The spike antibody test in late May was negative - no detectable antibodies. I got a booster in November, followed by a spike antibody test in December. Again negative! I've asked my doc to look into Evusheld, the recently announced AstraZeneca monoclonal antibodies for pre-exposure. Has anyone on this forum been told if they're eligible for Evusheld, and had anyone got the Evusheld shots? Thanks!
Re: Timing of Covid vaccine/boosters and rituximab
I get 1000 mg Rituxin 2 x year. Had all vaccines and booster, no antibodies. Evusheld is made to order. May not protect against latest Omicron, but the vaccines aren’t stopping it either. My rheumatologist has already emailed me that she, like other doctors, are trying to get Evusheld. It is said to give us 77% safety. Rituxin has saved my life, not giving it up.
Re: Timing of Covid vaccine/boosters and rituximab
There are new meds to treat Omicron but they will be in short supply. There are efforts increase production of these drugs as they rush to make them available as they will be critical for us elderly vulnerable people. The flu and Omicron are over filling many hospitals already which is not good for everyone.
Re: Timing of Covid vaccine/boosters and rituximab
Hardly left the house for almost 2 years and today I received an alert on my phone from NHS Track and Trace stating that I have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid.
It gave the date, which was Friday just gone. This was one of the VERY few times I've left the house and guess where I went.........the vaccination centre to get my 4th jab. Typical :rolleyes1:
I've not shown any antibodies from previous jabs and as it takes around 14 days from having the jab to create antibodies, it looks like if I've caught it from this positive close contact I'll be fighting it without any protection.
Re: Timing of Covid vaccine/boosters and rituximab
Here’s hoping that you’ve only been exposed and won’t get it. Hope you have a good year coming up.