1. < Transplants

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? That is the question.

Posted by silverwoman @silverwoman, Jan 4, 2021

<p>I know I am not the only post-transplant patient who is thinking about getting the coVID vaccination. My nurse coordinator has told me that the transplant team at Jacksonville has not approved vaccination yet because of the lack of experience with it for our group. One of the Infectious Disease doctors has indicated in a Mayo communication that transplants should be getting vaccinated. The nurse coordinator has said that if we choose to get vaccinated then we should do our laboratories once a week. I'm frustrated and confused by the lack of clear guidance and seemingly conflicting opinions. Is anybody else feeling like this? Have you made any decisions about when and if you will get vaccinated?</p>

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Transplants Support Group.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Feb 15, 2021
In reply to @cania "I've had my transplant for 18 and a half years. In a few months I will..." + (show)
@cania

I've had my transplant for 18 and a half years. In a few months I will be 19 years post transplant.
I'm going to wait it out, that's just me, and my feeling.

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@cania- I'd like to add my welcome to Mayo Connect. I am a 23+ lung cancer survivor and am in a stable period. I've decided to have the vaccine. What things when through your mind when you decided not to have it?

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1 reply
stephanierp | @stephanierp | Feb 15, 2021
In reply to @rosemarya "Here is a Feb. 3 podcast that I want to share. I plan to view it..." + (show)
@rosemarya

Here is a Feb. 3 podcast that I want to share. I plan to view it this evening, I think it will addresses some of the topics that we are currently discussing here!
-I am feeling 'limp' after my 1st shot yesterday morning and plan to relax a cup of hot cocoa while viewing.

Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: COVID-19 virus, variants and vaccines update
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/podcasts/newsfeed-post/covid-19-virus-variants-and-vaccines-update/

Who wants to join me?

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Rosemary, I watched it and found it very helpful! Thanks for sharing. Hope you are feeling back up to snuff this week after vaccine:)

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sallycurrier | @sallycurrier | Feb 15, 2021
In reply to @cania "I've had my transplant for 18 and a half years. In a few months I will..." + (show)
@cania

I've had my transplant for 18 and a half years. In a few months I will be 19 years post transplant.
I'm going to wait it out, that's just me, and my feeling.

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@cania, that is also my inclination also at 18.5 years out/kidney
I do not get flu shots either. So far, so good...

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Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Feb 15, 2021
In reply to @merpreb "@cania- I'd like to add my welcome to Mayo Connect. I am a 23+ lung cancer..." + (show)
@merpreb

@cania- I'd like to add my welcome to Mayo Connect. I am a 23+ lung cancer survivor and am in a stable period. I've decided to have the vaccine. What things when through your mind when you decided not to have it?

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@merpreb My husband is 4.5 years out from kidney transplant. His current nephrologist told him to get the vaccine. He has decided to query both the transplant team at his original center [Scripps Green Institute in La Jolla, CA], and the Portland [OR] Good Samaritan team, his new transplant center.
Ginger

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almula | @almula | Feb 16, 2021
In reply to @silverwoman "I have had the same feeling that the doctors are being very conservative with their guidance,..." + (show)
@silverwoman

I have had the same feeling that the doctors are being very conservative with their guidance, not willing to commit at this point because of the lack of history with this new type of vaccine production, as well as their conservative approach to medicine which I, for one, like. However, I have decided to go ahead and be vaccinated because I am much more afraid of getting the coVID influenza than I am of the vaccine. Weighing the risk between the two, I'm going to opt for the vaccine. Everyone's input has helped me to think (and rethink) my decision, so thanks to all.

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In Kuwait doctors don't recommend to have the vaccine and they told me to wait,..while our mayo team recommend it.. i just waiting for the Kuwaiti authorities to allow it for me.

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1 reply
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Feb 16, 2021
In reply to @almula "In Kuwait doctors don't recommend to have the vaccine and they told me to wait,..while our..." + (show)
@almula

In Kuwait doctors don't recommend to have the vaccine and they told me to wait,..while our mayo team recommend it.. i just waiting for the Kuwaiti authorities to allow it for me.

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@almula- Hello. It's nice to meet you. I thought that the government started vaccinations a month ago. Is there a reason why they don't recommend the vaccine?

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1 reply
jolinda | @jolinda | Feb 25, 2021

Good news for organ transplant patients in MN, here is a news snip from earlier today:

"In early spring (officials said the beginning of April), Phase 1B-Tier 2 will begin. This includes people with specific high-risk conditions: sickle cell disease, down syndrome, active cancer treatment, those immunocompromised from organ transplant and oxygen-dependent chronic lung and heart conditions (COPD and CHF). Additionally, food processing plant workers also will be eligible."

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mollyv | @mollyv | Feb 26, 2021

I went to North Dakota to get my vaccine. They are already accepting people with high risk who are under 65. So grateful!

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1 reply
almula | @almula | Feb 26, 2021
In reply to @merpreb "@almula- Hello. It's nice to meet you. I thought that the government started vaccinations a month..." + (show)
@merpreb

@almula- Hello. It's nice to meet you. I thought that the government started vaccinations a month ago. Is there a reason why they don't recommend the vaccine?

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I received different recommendations from several doctors but I will take it soon because Mayo team recommends it.

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1 reply
jolinda | @jolinda | Feb 26, 2021
In reply to @mollyv "I went to North Dakota to get my vaccine. They are already accepting people with high..." + (show)
@mollyv

I went to North Dakota to get my vaccine. They are already accepting people with high risk who are under 65. So grateful!

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I did see online that North Dakota was offering shots to people based on their vulnerability including organ transplant patients. Here in Minnesota there are plenty of forums teaching you how to work around the governor's criteria and get a shot. My problem with doing that is I know there are a lot of people who should go before me, people with Downs Syndrome, people under 65 with disabilities who are cared for at home, kids born with cerebral palsy, people with Autism, etc. In Minnesota our teachers (who we love) were suddenly moved to the top of the list so now a teacher's aide who is 25 and healthy with little risk of complications from Covid moved in front a child with immune issues. It's all very difficult to sort out ethically! I want a vaccine but...

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