Bamlanivimab monoclonal antibodies interacting with COVID vaccines

I had the infusion in January. Had my first Moderna injection 2 1/2 weeks ago. I was so sick the next day, I feared I was getting COVID again. That lasted about 48 hours. Then, the injection site had a terrible reaction. I had a red, rashly welt, bigger than a softball for a good week. It hurt, was itchy & looked awful. Google moderna arm or COVID arm. My arm still has a red circle, about the size of a tennis ball, but it’s flat and dry and doesn’t bother me. I am set to get the 2nd dose next week, & am nervous, but hoping for the best. I still have numerous things happening with what they are calling Long COVID, so am hoping the injections eliminate those symptoms.

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@mlmc21 Thank you for telling us about your experience.

@mal I have looked all over the Lilly and CDC sites, and didn't find a definitive answer for you. So, I went to my secondary source. My daughter is a telemed nurse, and has been dealing with all things Covid since last March. I asked her about what they tell patients about vaccine after infusion and why. Her large urban hospital/clinic group updates their Covid guidance at least daily.

Their advice, from the Infectious Disease and Epidemiology docs is to wait 90 days after test-confirmed infection or antibody infusion and get the vaccine.

The reason - the monoclonal antibodies are intended to provide a temporary boost to the immune system, and they don't know how long the antibodies will last. Typical after-virus antibodies range from undetectable to lasting about 4-5 months for most people.

With the vaccine there is good evidence that immunity lasts at least 7 months, based on regular testing of the early recipients in the clinical trials.

Also, her plea to you: "Please get vaccinated - we see people every day who have Covid for the second time. Even though this can and does happen after full vaccination symptoms are more mild."
Sue

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