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COVID-19 and Transplant Patients
Transplants | Last Active: Mar 6, 2021 | Replies (459)Comment receiving replies
Hi all-
I received my liver transplant at Mayo Jax 4.5 years ago.
Last week I received the initial Pfizer inoculation, with no real impact (sore arm for 24h).
Given the information that, due to our immunosuppressive drugs (in my case 3 mg Tacro daily), the vaccine will have reduced impact, I wonder if antibody labs wouldn’t make sense? My thoughts are if we develop little or no immune response, our precautions need to stay very strict. I hate perhaps developing a false sense of done security, just because I took the vaccine, when it really had lityke or no impact.
Just curious as to what others thoughts may be.
Take care,
Ken
Replies to "Hi all- I received my liver transplant at Mayo Jax 4.5 years ago. Last week I..."
@kedwards73, Hi and Welcome to Mayo Connect. I am a transplant recipient, and I will be getting my 1st dose of Covid-19 vaccine tomorrow. I am excited that my name "finally" came to the top of the list, although it's only been a 3 week wait. I felt an immediate sense of relief when I received my invitation to schedule my time. I don't know which one I will get, but my Mayo MN coordinator said either one.
I understand that as immunosuppressed patients that we could experience a limited amount of virus protection. One thin to keep in mind is that when/if more of the general population gets the vaccine, then the spread will be diminished. As the data id collected about transplant recipients, we will most likely know more about where we are as to protection. But just as we are all different as demonstrated in the varying levels of medication that our body needs, so I think will be our response to the vaccine.
When the virus first invaded our lives, we transplant patients already knew how to wash hands and to avoid close contact and crowded spaces especially during the seasonal flu season. Some transplant patients also wore masks routinely. In response to your question about others' thoughts - it is going to be tempting for some to roam freely, however, we absolutely have to remember to be cautious and extra careful. We know how to do it better than anyone. Lets all support each other by continuing to encourage each other in this and the other transplant discussions on Connect.
@kedwards73, It has been 4 years since your transplant, Have you ever thought about sharing your transplant story?
Here is a link that I want to share with you and all on our transplant members. You will find suggestions to get started.
Discussion - Organ Donation and Transplant: What is Your story?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/organ-donation-and-transplant-what-is-your-story/
Any questions? I can help. Just send me a Private Message (envelop in top right corner of page).
Connect
I don’t think anyone knows at the moment as no one has confirmed if any post transplant people were in the initial vaccine trials. John Hopkins has embarked on a major study of antibody buildup in post transplant people who receive a vaccine. So hopefully that will reveal some conclusive results.