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.

almula | @almula | Mar 17, 2021

In reply to @imallears "@almula Please accept my condolences. That is devastating. Thank you for taking the time to share...." + (show)

Thank you

jmb73 | @jmb73 | Mar 17, 2021

I don't know if this is related to the vaccine but in 2017 doctors told me that I had a very low immune system. I kept getting sick and then was tested again and my levels were almost low enough to get infusions. they told me that as I got older, my immune system would get worse. I got the Moderna vaccine in Jan. and 6 weeks after the second shot, my PC ordered IgG, IgA and IgM tests as the antibody test showed no immunity. My levels have gone way up to the normal range. My IgG went from .7 to 876! I am afraid that this is not a mistake and I am hoping the vaccine did it. Have any of you heard of this happening? My husband had the Pfizer vaccine and has had really bad weakness in his legs and for the past 4 days he has felt great. I hope and pray this is true.
Thanks for any information.

almula | @almula | Mar 17, 2021

In reply to @merpreb "@almula- Oh, my word no! This hurts my heart to hear this. Losing a sibling is..." + (show)

thank you for your kind words..

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 17, 2021

@almula, I'm very sorry for your loss. Loss during COVID is hard. Loss because of COVID even harder. Please know that there is a loss and grief group on Mayo Clinic Connect should you wish support at any time now or in the future. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/loss-grief/

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 17, 2021

In the latest Mayo Clinic podcast Dr. Gregory Poland, infectious diseases specialist, answers your questions about whether people who are immunocompromised, such as patients undergoing cancer treatment, or people who have autoimmune diseases, should be vaccinated for COVID-19.

– Rapid pace of COVID-19 vaccinations https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/podcasts/newsfeed-post/rapid-pace-of-covid-19-vaccinations

"Both of those categories (of people) should be vaccinated," says Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group. "Those are not contraindications. Those are indications to get the vaccine." He adds that research is ongoing, but current information demonstrates the benefits far outweigh the theoretical risks.

In the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Poland talks about vaccine hesitancy, and patients who are immunocompromised or have autoimmune conditions. Also, he discusses next steps in the journey to vaccinate children for COVID-19. And he reviews recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Control about in-person gatherings.

JK | @contentandwell | Mar 17, 2021

In reply to @almula "I had first shot of Pfizer two day ago and it seems to be ok with..." + (show)

@almula I am so sorry about your sister. It's so heartbreaking to lose a sibling, and to lose when we are so close to improvement is especially difficult, I'm sure.
Stay well.
JK

fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Mar 18, 2021

In reply to @almula "I had first shot of Pfizer two day ago and it seems to be ok with..." + (show)

@almula, My heart goes out to you and your loved ones on the death of your sister. Congrats on your first Pfizer vacc. After my second Moderna, I was fatigued for a couple of days but oh, what a small discomfort compared to the grief and suffering the virus has caused.

jmb73 | @jmb73 | Mar 18, 2021

In reply to @almula "I had first shot of Pfizer two day ago and it seems to be ok with..." + (show)

I am so sorry from your loss

migizii | @migizii | Mar 19, 2021

In reply to @almula "I had first shot of Pfizer two day ago and it seems to be ok with..." + (show)

@almula I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your sister. May you find comforts in the memories of your time with your sister although grieving can be an uneven and difficult process. 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽❤️