COVID-19 and Transplant Patients

The CDC website specifically states that none of the vaccines have been tested on immunosupressed persons, including solid organ transplants. I do not know how they could determine a vaccine will be safe for us without putting people at higher risk.

With that in mind, our hope should be that EVERYONE who is eligible to get a vaccine will get one, especially our family members and close personal contacts.

Also, stay in contact with our teams for expert guidance.

Dan, heart transplant 2003, UMC Tucson, AZ.

@azdan99- Good morning. I don't think that the CDC has stated that any vaccine is 100% safe for everyone. That is unrealistic. I agree, I hope that everyone who is eligible is able to get it and will have an easy time. I also hope that it will work exceptionally well and for a very long time!

When you apply to take part in vaccine study they ask specifically if you are on immune suppressant drugs. I'm not sure they are asking about that to disqualify organ donor or looking for people on these specific drugs. I've filled out forms and let you know when they respond.

Update today my.wife who is someone that has reacted to may vaccines in the past and can't even take the Flu vaccine saw her Doctor and based on her recommendation does not advise either of us to receive it at this point. I'm not to concerned yet. Things have been going ok with the normal protocols. Being retired does have it's benefits but I am concerned for all the workers out there and the current situation.
Have a Blessed Day
Dana

Morning Dana- Yesterday CNN reported that, " people with a 'significant history of allergic reactions' should not be given the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, UK health authorities said Wednesday, after two health care workers experienced symptoms after receiving a shot the day before. They were not life threatening, nevertheless, an indication that it should be avoided. Looks like yur doctor was spot on!
https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/09/health/covid-vaccine-allergies-health-workers-uk-intl-gbr/index.html

@gingerw- Is this just a man thing ( 🙂 )or is there a more serious reason that he doesn't want to change?

Our State Dept of Health was very clear in their recommendation yesterday - "...not yet cleared for children under 16, pregnant or nursing women, people with history of reactions, or transplant patients."

Good morning everyone!
Yesterday, Mayo Clinic released a document regarding the COVID-19 vaccine in the form of patient education (see attached document). While this is NOT specific to our transplant population, it will provide you with some general information regarding the vaccine. Our team is just now getting the scientific information they need to decide if they will be recommending this vaccine for our transplant patients. Once they have a decision, we will let you all know. However, please remember that you should get the final word from the team that is caring for you. General information is fantastic to have, but every patient is unique and should rely on specific information from their current doctor. Also note - the information regarding COVID changes by the hour as the experts learn more about this virus. Something published today could be out of date tomorrow. You can get the most up-to-date information from your local health department or the CDC website.

Take care everyone!
-Kristin

This is from a section from Covid info sheet. “At this time, the vaccine is not recommended for children or for those who are pregnant. This is because researchers do not know enough about how the vaccine can affect children, pregnant women or their babies.
The vaccine may not be recommended to those with certain health conditions. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions about receiving the vaccine.”

Today on CNN Dr. Sanjay Gupta quoted this section and commented that this would be people with suppressed immune systems. I hope we will get clarity from cdc and our health teams on what ramifications would be. I wonder if new studies and testing will have to take place before this changes.

The UK is to begin clinical trials of a new coronavirus antibody treatment aimed at people with a weakened immune system who cannot be vaccinated.

Developed by drugs giant AstraZeneca, the trial aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a combination of two long-acting monoclonal antibodies – man-made proteins that act like natural human antibodies in the immune system.
https://www.itv.com/news/2020-12-03/covid-can-pregnant-and-immunocompromised-people-get-the-pfizer-vaccine-who-cant-get-the-jab-and-why