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

Here are preliminary results from the COVID-19 Antibody Testing of Recipients of Solid Organ Transplants (IRB00248540) being led by the transplant team at Johns Hopkins. JAMA article: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777685 and upcoming webinar: https://jhjhm.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JeYGrUDPQjSt0KacczGMRQ

@bosco17 Honestly, I do not remember where I got that number, I read many articles and it varies a lot. It's all a moot point now though because so far the Johns Hopkins studies show the antibody count to even be worse than anticipated as @athenalee shows in her post. That is after just one shot though and I have heard that some people, not in this study, have had some response after the second shot, but it's still not a very strong response.

The link from JH also says that of the small percentage of people on immunosuppressants who did show some antibodies, more had the Moderna vaccine than the Pfizer vaccine. I had Pfizer.

I guess we really are very dependent on waiting for "herd immunity", or taking our chances.
JK

@contentandwell
As for herd immunity, the news is saying almost half the country do not want to get the vaccine. That’s why the president is urging doctors and clergymen to reach out to their patients and parishioners to persuade them otherwise. It’s very political unfortunately and I think more leaders should speak up. That being said...I know of people my age who are adamant about not receiving the vaccine because they don’t trust it and these are not anti-vaxxers by any means.

So I am wondering if we will ever reach herd immunity. They say at least 70% of the population needs to be either vaccinated or have had Covid. I have had both Pfizer shots and am flying out of state in less than 2 weeks with 2 family members who are both vaccinated. I will continue to take precautions and wear a mask but have not let this virus limit my daily life in any way. Of course I hope more people will get onboard but am not holding my breath. As you know Florida has been open for quite a while and I can see people letting down their guard. I am hoping our governor doesn’t follow other states who have abolished the mask mandate.
As long as establishments, stores, airports require masks and sanitizer is everywhere we will continue to do what we are doing.

FL Mary

I JK, I have not got the vaccine yet. I am going to get the antibody test first to see if I have already been infected since Back in April 20 I had a long lasting chest cold. As a matter of personal protection. I might waite to see how you folks and pregnancies are effected by the vaccine. If I don't have the antibody then I will get the vaccine. Remember, over 2000 people world wide have parishes after taking the vaccine.

I fully agree with what you wrote. I personally feel it is shameful that people are still in denial about this pandemic and about the vaccines. Nearly 3 million people have died already. And, the vaccines have trial data behind them to prove they work. Do they have issues, yes. But we have to start somewhere and the issues with the vaccines pale compared to the devastation caused by Covid. I take anti rejection medications that are causing a great deal of pain and discomfort in my life. But I continue to take them because they keep me alive. I also had an increase in the neuropathy symptoms (caused by said anti rejection meds), after I received the first vaccine shot. I got the second shot because I feel we have a duty to rid the world of this disease. If we don’t look at the facts, get vaccinated, continue to wear masks, millions more will die.

Safe travels and enjoy!

@gingerw- I finally got my first dose this past Sunday. When I was directed to what I call the "baking" room to make sure that I didn't have a reaction I felt so healthy! I didn't see my husband's face or hear his voice! It was other people, smiling and talking and joking. Boy have I missed that!

@luckonetj- Hello. It's nice to meet you. I'm curious about the antibody tests, and why people are taking them. So far levels of antibodies vary from person to person, mostly depending on the severity of their illness. There are many studies that are underway now to better understand the levels of antibodies that are needed for protection, and how long these antibodies last. So, even if your test results show that you have some immunity because you had COVID-19 it doesn't guarantee that you won't get it again. There are people who have been reinfected. There isn't any really reliable data that will tell you what degree you might be immune, if at all.

Did you request these tests or did your doctor?

@imallears- Hi. I think that we are a long way from herd immunity. I think that the most important thing to remember right now is that after you have your two doses and you get COVID-19 then you won't be in serious trouble. It will protect you from a severe reaction.

@luckonetj- I am wondering why you are delaying your vaccine. Whether or not you have antibodies is not a predictor for being immune to COVID-19. You mentioned pregnancy. Are you pregnant?

Have you spoken to your doctor about your hesitancy?

Here is an alternative perspective.

Mass Vaccination in a Pandemic – Benefits versus Risks: Interview with Geert Vanden Bossche https://youtu.be/ZJZxiNxYLpc
https://dryburgh.com/geert-vanden-bossche-open-letter-to-who-halt-all-covid-19-mass-vaccination/
Not verified.

***Community Director's Note***
Claims and analogies made by Geert Vanden Bossche "break down in the face of data."
- The Doomsday Prophecy of Dr. Geert Vanden Bossche https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/covid-19-critical-thinking-pseudoscience/doomsday-prophecy-dr-geert-vanden-bossche

@merpreb Glad you have your first dose I had both Pfizer and feel more protected can't understand why people hesitate What works for one doesn't fit everyone I didn't get sick at all with neither shot some people have said how sick they got but everyone is different You can't go by another persons response