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Aplastic Anemia and vaccine influences

Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Apr 24, 2023 | Replies (24)

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@loribmt

I really don’t have any suggestions except the possibility of having another genetic test run to see if you still carry the Rag1 mutation. From my understanding, when we get an allogenic stem cell transplant, the goal is to give us a fresh start with a new immune system.
With my AML, I had 3 mutations which are no longer visible and haven’t returned after 3.5 years. Or, if they have, my new immune system has wiped them out before they got a foothold.
However, my chimerism is at 100%. With yours being 98% I’m not sure how much of a threat that 2 % is with containing the Rag 1 mutation.
Covid is so new yet that I’m guessing there isn’t much information out there for you to find, especially with your rare mutation. The data for us is also limited on how we will even respond to our routine vaccinations.
You’re still fairly new in your transplant so your immunity isn’t as strong as it will be ‘when you’re an adult’ in about 18 to 24 months. But even then, from my understanding, the new immune systems will never be as robust as our original.

Maybe your doctors aren’t as concerned because they feel you no longer have that mutated gene… If I run across any information I’ll let you know! Keep me posted on what you decide to do, ok?

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Replies to "I really don’t have any suggestions except the possibility of having another genetic test run to..."

Thank you for sharing your history post BMT. Congratulations on 3.5 years of a healthy new immune system. I'm wondering when you began with vaccinations, including childhood vaccines and whether you have chosen to continue flu, pneumonia, and Covid vaccines post-transplant? As you suggest there is limited data on how we will respond and there are so many variables to consider. I recently received the flu vaccine.
I will keep you posted.