1. < Transplants

Transplant: No or Few Antibodies after COVID Vaccination

Posted by nkdonahue @nkdonahue, Feb 27, 2021

My daughter received a kidney from her father 15 months ago. She is participating in the Johns Hopkins study of transplant patients undergoing vaccination. The study required that she be tested for antibodies just before she received her second shot. The test results showed that she had no antibodies to Covid-19. I wonder if anyone else on this list is participating in the Hopkins study and can share their experience. I know the study will be asking participants to repeat the antibody test four of five more times over the year after being fully vaccinated. Thank you

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athenalee | @athenalee | Sep 26, 2021
In reply to @leahdrose "@athenalee Congratulations on your liver transplant too. I hope my Tacrolimus will be reduced eventually. Thank..." + (show)
@leahdrose

@athenalee Congratulations on your liver transplant too. I hope my Tacrolimus will be reduced eventually. Thank you for the tip on taking Biotin and applying argan oil. I will ask my nephrologist if it’s safe for me to take Biotin.
I’m definitely interested in the transplant culinary arts discussion and will attend the sessions.

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Excellent. Sounds like you have some great cooking and diet ideas to share!

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leahd | @leahdrose | Sep 26, 2021
In reply to @millds "Congratulations on your transplant! I am 4 years out and had my third dose of Moderna..." + (show)
@millds

Congratulations on your transplant! I am 4 years out and had my third dose of Moderna as soon as I was allowed.No antibodies on first two but I did have the spike protein test for antibodies and did have a result of >250. While that is of some comfort, we don't know what that means or what protection it affords someone on immunosuppressants. Flu shot will come next week.I have worn a mask at the beginning of flu season and gotten a flu shot every year. I wore a mask in crowded environments. I haven't been ill in 4 years. My entire family is vaccinated with the exception of the 3 small grandchildren. We all wear masks, social distance, wash hands and follow safety protocol. We will continue to do so in order to protect the special gifts I have been given. You are wise to stay home. You have good instincts. When in doubt, talk to your team.

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I was placed on priority list for kidney transplant due to high antibodies. I am anxious to find out if I will develop Covid antibodies from the third vaccine in November.

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1 reply
leahd | @leahdrose | Sep 26, 2021
In reply to @athenalee "Good to check. It doesn’t interact with Tacrolimus anyway, but I learned from my endocrinologist that..." + (show)
@athenalee

Good to check. It doesn’t interact with Tacrolimus anyway, but I learned from my endocrinologist that it interferes with certain blood tests, including TSH for thyroid monitoring. So, if I’m doing any labs, I stop taking all B vitamins at least fives days before.

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Even prior to surgery, I always check with my nephrologist before taking anything. I’m more cautious now.

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leahd | @leahdrose | Sep 26, 2021
In reply to @athenalee "Excellent. Sounds like you have some great cooking and diet ideas to share!" + (show)
@athenalee

Excellent. Sounds like you have some great cooking and diet ideas to share!

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I will share what I have and looking forward to learning more cooking ideas.

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millds | @millds | Sep 27, 2021
In reply to @leahdrose "I was placed on priority list for kidney transplant due to high antibodies. I am anxious..." + (show)
@leahdrose

I was placed on priority list for kidney transplant due to high antibodies. I am anxious to find out if I will develop Covid antibodies from the third vaccine in November.

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Its the not knowing that is hard even though it shouldn't change our behavior. Human nature!

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1 reply
leahd | @leahdrose | Sep 27, 2021
In reply to @millds "Its the not knowing that is hard even though it shouldn't change our behavior. Human nature!" + (show)
@millds

Its the not knowing that is hard even though it shouldn't change our behavior. Human nature!

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Even if I get the third vaccine in November, I will still treat myself as if I did not get it and continue to follow safety protocols.

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JK | @contentandwell | Sep 29, 2021

I got my antibody results today and the number is 2032. That sounds good to me but does anybody have really definitive info on what those numbers mean? I haven't been able to find that. The lab order was put in by my PCP at my request so I hate to bother her with asking her about it. I do have my yearly appointment with her within the next few weeks so I will ask her then though if I haven't been able to get any info.
JK

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millds | @millds | Sep 30, 2021

I was told they do not know. Even with antibodies present there is no research to determine how much is preventative in transplant. Therefore, Mayo stated nothing should change regarding precautions. We get a little piece of mind when there are antibodies but we continue all of the safety measures.

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athenalee | @athenalee | Sep 30, 2021
In reply to @contentandwell "I got my antibody results today and the number is 2032. That sounds good to me..." + (show)
@contentandwell

I got my antibody results today and the number is 2032. That sounds good to me but does anybody have really definitive info on what those numbers mean? I haven't been able to find that. The lab order was put in by my PCP at my request so I hate to bother her with asking her about it. I do have my yearly appointment with her within the next few weeks so I will ask her then though if I haven't been able to get any info.
JK

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Congrats JK! At least it’s something. So far as I’ve read, I don’t think there’s a known magic number. But, coupled with masking, sanitizing, and being cautious it is probably about the best us transplant people can hope for. Sadly, we need to rely on ourselves mostly, as well as our families, friends, acquaintances, and ultimately society to be vaccinated to protect us. Risk is going to always be a part of the equation no matter where we go, so I’m hoping you can be assured by your antibodies developing so that you can visit your new grandchild!

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codered032 | @codered032 | Oct 1, 2021

Hello not a transplant patient. I am taking Tacrolimus for CKD. I have taken the Pfizer vaccine, 2nd vaccine 05/01/2021. I was tested for antibodies on May 29, 2021. My. Test was negative for antibodies. My Neuphrologist strongly recommended the vaccine and was surprised that I didn’t develop antibodies. I am considering not taking the booster. No one can tell me if I have any protection against the virus

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