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Covid Vaccine Antibody Results
I hope the followers of the Car- T group on Mayo Clinic Connect are all doing well at this time.
My doctor and me were both curious as to what effect the Covid 19 vaccine would have on my system in regards to what the antibody numbers would look like after vaccination.
Given that my IgG levels hover at just below the recommended level, I was curious if the vaccine would have any effect on me. I do not receive infusions to top up my system as I have not had any viral infections since receiving Car T therapy, the exception was a mild case of Shingles, which I was thankfully vaccinated for. (This was approximately 2 years post treatment)
I received the 1st dose of the Pfizer covid vaccine on April 13th, I received the second dose on May 25th, about six weeks apart. Four weeks after receiving the second dose of vaccine, giving the vaccines time to work, I had a SARS-COV2 Antibody Panel drawn. The result showed that there are an excellent number of antibodies present, approximately twice what is currently deemed a good response.
I know that this has no scientific bearing on whether I could contract Covid 19 or its outcome, however it does give me some peace of mind that should I contract Covid 19, there is a possibility the affliction could be minor. It has also given my family a sense of comfort.
I do understand that results of tests can be different for everyone and that even no antibodies present does not necessarily mean the vaccine is not offering some protection, I am sharing this as a note of encouragement that receiving the Covid vaccine could provide another layer of protection against this disease.
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@grandpabob That must be comforting to know that you had a good antibody response. Were you able to get any info on what a good antibody response is? I had my antibodies tested also (SARS-CoV-2 Semi-Quant Total Ab) and the result was 13.83 but I'm not sure where that puts me. I definitely have some antibodies obviously. According to the info on the test results, any number greater than 0.79 shows antibodies.
JK
@contentandwell - JK, thank you for your interest in this post.
My doctor indicated that 1.0 was considered to be a OK/good response. My results were at 2.5, which in context is very good. That being said, still need to take care and be cautious. If I was considered healthy, I would be donning a top hat and going dancing, But!!!
How long after your second dose did you receive your test?
Bob
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1 Reaction@grandpabob I had the test about 6 weeks after my second Pfizer shot. My second shot was on February 14th, the test was on March 29th.
I'm a transplant recipient on immunosuppressants so it sounds as if my antibody level, at 13.83, is fairly high for my classification. Obviously, I will still be careful, I am still wearing a mask when I go into a store or anywhere inside, and I will not eat inside at a restaurant at all.
My transplant team would not write a lab order for the test but I asked my PCP and she did.
People are getting overly relaxed now I think considering this Delta variant. I feel fortunate that I live in New Hampshire and all of New England has a high rate of vaccination.
JK
@contentandwell - I am happy to hear that your area has a high rate of vaccinations. There is comfort in that. It is getting more difficult for all of us to follow all of the health rules as close as we should.
I as you, I had my GP write the order for my test as well, the Cancer care team will be happy to see the results as well however.
On a total different subject, what do you do to stay active?
Stay safe.
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1 Reaction@grandpabob before the pandemic I went to my health club at least 6 days a week alternating pool exercises with the gym. I’m not going back to my club yet so I’m doing YouTube exercise videos and walking now.
There are many videos that cater to the over-50 population, I’m well-qualified for that! I try to do both cardio and strength videos.
Beyond that I do regular household duties and cook a lot. I have resumed shopping in grocery stores, always masked of course.
JK
@contentandwell - JK, that is a great variety of things to keep you active. I agree that YouTube has a lot of interesting things to keep a person active.
I am glad to see you are getting out to pick up those baking and cooking items you need to help you stay busy and healthy.
Bob
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1 Reaction@grandpabob I didn't go out at all when things were worse, everything was delivered either through Instacart or from Whole Foods. I never thought I would miss grocery shopping, but I did! Primarily I missed picking out my own produce and meat but I have friends who are apparently less picky than I am and plan to continue getting their groceries delivered.
JK
My brother was released from hospital yesterday. He was not vaccinated for covid. He became ill and eventually went to hospital; was given O2 but not ventilated. Treated with a variety of drugs (specifics not known to me). My question: should a person who was positive for, and is recovering from, covid 19 get a vaccination? I have not yet seen the discharge instructions.
To clarify: If a person who is covid 19 positive and has been very sick i.e.,hospitalized; and is now recovering at home; who also has not been vaccinated - should that person receive a vaccine? Or would vaccination be a risk to one who has survived covid 19?
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1 Reaction@jfp This is a great question. I was thinking that if you had Covid then you are as good as vaccinated but that may not be the case because I have heard of others who did have Covid getting the vaccine.
I am very interested in hearing the responses from people who really know what the situation is after a person has had Covid.
JK