COVID Longhauler with symptoms: When should I get vaccinated?

This is a very good question, @rbrzeg. I did a bit of searching and found this information from trusted health sources.

From Cleveland Clinic.
- When Should You Get Vaccinated if You’ve Had COVID-19? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/when-should-you-get-vaccinated-if-youve-had-covid-19/
“The time frame that we recommend for being vaccinated after having a COVID-19 infection is as soon as you’re out of quarantine,” says Dr. Englund.

There is one caveat, however.

If you’ve received monoclonal antibodies, you must wait 90 days after recovering from COVID-19 to receive the vaccine. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), monoclonal antibodies are proteins made in a laboratory that mimic your body’s immune response.
“If you’ve had that monoclonal antibody, it is going to keep you from being able to develop a nice, robust response to the vaccine. So that’s why we have to wait for 90 days until that monoclonal antibody has gotten out of your system.”

From Mayo Clinic
- Should I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I’ve already had COVID-19? https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/vaccine-if-already-had-covid
Mayo Clinic experts also advise "If you were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, wait 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine."

From the CDC
- Can I get vaccinated against COVID-19 while I am currently sick with COVID-19? https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html
"No. People with COVID-19 who have symptoms should wait to be vaccinated until they have recovered from their illness and have met the criteria for discontinuing isolation; those without symptoms should also wait until they meet the criteria before getting vaccinated. This guidance also applies to people who get COVID-19 before getting their second dose of vaccine.

People who have had a known COVID-19 exposure should not seek vaccination until their quarantine period has ended to avoid potentially exposing healthcare personnel and others during the vaccination visit. This recommendation also applies to people with a known COVID-19 exposure who have received their first dose of an mRNA vaccine but not their second."

@rbrzeg, since you were released from hospital 21 days ago, you are no longer considered to be in quarantine and have recovered from the infection. Right? Did you receive monoclonal antibody treatment? What long haul symptoms are you still dealing with?

Hello, thank you for this. Im no longer in quarantine. I however am a long haul covid survivor and still have double lung pneumonia per a ct scan on 11/1/21 and am scheduled for a lung analysis next week because I am still struggling with breathing, coughing, being able to perform simple functions such as making my bed, walking around the house, etc. I am still experiencing post covid symptoms of chills, all over achiness, headache, extreme exhaustions - not just 'im so tired' but debilitating exhaustion. I am worried with all the symptoms I still suffer from about getting the vaccine since my body is still struggling just to breathe amongst other things. I am not on oxygen, I maintain around 94, no fevers, blood pressure good. I do have a liver ultrasound scheduled because I have 'spots' on my liver and lab work pointing to liver damage - the 'spots' were not present prior to covid. SIGH.

Have you been tested for a tibodies after infection? Have you been told you need vaccinations?

I have not and yes, getting vaccinated is pushed by my Med team

I am and also not surprised that your medical team pushes you to be vaccinated following a recovery from Covid. As a retired healthcare worker I am continually amazed at the things I am seeing and hearing. I would do research. I would post some links but this site won't allow. But try searching for natural antibodies following Covid 19 recovery.

Hi @carolann3750, I noticed that you wished to post a URL to a resource with your post. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam. It comes from a trusted health agency the NIH. Please allow me to post it for you.

- How Long Does Protection Last After COVID-19? https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/03/how-long-does-protection-last-after-covid-19

@rbrzeg, my heart goes out to you with all these symptoms. As Carolyn points out, you likely have protection from getting reinfected at the moment. I would discuss with your team about when is the best time to get vaccinated. You're dealing with a lot right now and it may not be necessary right now.

There is some evidence that the COVID vaccine has relieved symptoms in up to 30-40% of long haulers. See this article from Yale Medicine:
- Why Vaccines May Be Helping Some With Long COVID https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/vaccines-long-covid

Have you looked into getting seen at a clinic that specializes in post-COVID recovery?

@colleenyoung I am scheduled to see a post-covid specialized team in February - hoping a cancellation happens sooner. I do appreciate your help and will look into the links you provided. I have another question to poise out there..... Is there an organization that will help with legalities regarding employment and discrimination against post covid patients?

@rbrzeg, good question and a great topic. Would you mind starting a new discussion about loss of work and post-COVID long haulers?

Thanks for starting the new discussion re long haul and employment here:
- Help for employment loss or discrimination against COVID long haulers? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/company-discrimination-against-long-haul-covid-patient/

Have you and your doctor talked about when it is best for you to get vaccinated?