Ineffictiveness of Covid vaccines for the immunocompromised.

Looking back, ever since his transplant in 1997, DH was on immunosuppressants and naturally I was worried about infections of any sort as they could potentially rampage through him.
There were several admissions to hospital with biliary infection, but never, to my knowledge with anything he “caught” from anybody else. We were meticulous about hygiene , careful at all time and, to be fair, we didn’t have Covid to deal with.
But Avian Flu, Swine flu, Mexican flu (?) regular flu and all the rest were around at various times and he never succumbed to any despite commuting to London by train.
Just saying, yes it is a terrifying prospect but perhaps we should not see immunosuppression as a potential death sentence.

Had very heated discussion when I went for what my surgery receptionist insisted was my Booster! Couldnt have it as I was too early! Showed text & lady went to see her ‘Boss’ (her words) came back saying I was there for 3rd Primary not Booster! Ok but can I have the jab whatever it is please? Eventually got jabbed but told there was no difference it was all the same dose of Pfizer! Supposed to get a Booster in 6 months unless anything changes! Boosters are for those who did not have to Shield! Does anyone really know what is going on? Just hope that I am covered now as have enough problems without catching covid.

It those who had the AZ, who need a different vaccine. I would have been happier to have had three doses of Pfizer.

Marydoll

Summerlove the difference is in the management, not the formula. It is certainly not easy to find accurate information. For me, the most informative was the Zoewebinar on vaccines and the immunocompromised.

Yes I understand that.

That’s what I said

Thank you Maw, you’re right.
It’s hard to keep a sense of perspective, especially when everything is so confusing!

Further to that, Maw, in the time I’ve been with DH, I’ve had both ‘proper’ flu and swine flu, but he caught neither from me, despite being immune suppressed, which I always thought odd.

Message deleted by Gransnet. Here's a link to our Talk guidelines.

Thanks for bringing this up again Marydoll as so many are still unaware that they need a third primary dose of the vaccine. I had to fight for mine two weeks ago but am so glad I did due to having AZ initially. I am hoping these new drugs for the immunosuppressed (should we need hospitalisation) will be available and will help. I discussed my vulnerability with my consultant a few weeks ago and he said that the people on the medication I'm on are not dropping like flies but I do feel that many are much younger and as we know the older generation are much more vulnerable. I'm now going to Google anti-body tests as I think we should all be given them. I'm also a big fan of the C-19 app and the information supplied.

Well, you can say what you like Olive, I will be ignoring your anti vaxx views.
I prefer to research and understand the science, rather than believe some unsubstantiated heresay. That is unless, you can provide medical and scientific evidence of your claims.

Does your daughter work in the NHS? If so, I hope I never meet her at a respiratory clinic.

Maw, I have been immunosuppressed for as long as I can remember and continued to work as a teacher, without really thinking about it. However, I didn't have to worry about Covid.

Before the first lockdown, I was advised to shield and the fear of death was instilled in me, because of two serious lung conditions and a failing heart.
Unfortunately, further medication during lockdown, has made me even more vulnerable than previously, for me the risk of death is very high.

Each case is different and we all have to decide for ourselves what is suitable for us. I have decided to have the best life I can in the circumstances, but I will not be putting myself at risk. I still have a lot of living to do.

I received a text then a letter saying I should have a third dose. Rang my GP who told me to take my letter to the drop in centre. Went straightaway, they hadn’t at that stage heard of the third dose but 2 phone calls later I had my jab. Booster in 6 months.

Have just read the post from Olive53 stating that her daughter said all those in hospital with COVID are double vaccinated, this totally the opposite from the conversation I had with my oncologist on Thursday, she said all the cases in our hospital are those who haven’t been vaccinated.
Just saying, sorry can’t bring myself to put sayin.

I suspect that Olive is not in the UK. 'gotten' is not in common use here...

Never noticed that , MaizieD.
Anyway, she is entitled to her opinion, it is up to posters whether they choose to believe her or not.

MaizieD

I suspect that Olive is not in the UK. 'gotten' is not in common use here...

I’ve seen some of her previous posts, and I agree

Good to see Olive was deleted.

I’ve been on immunosuppressed suppressants for 30 years now. I’ve had one dose of flu 21 years ago and 5 chest infections, all of which developed after a bad cold. It’s been a small price to pay for the benefits in disease management and control.

My consultant said antibody tests are only available to patients on research trials. She advised against getting a private test and gave reasons I understood for that. The key advice she gave hasn’t changed, take our meds, wash hands and avoid touching face.eyes, ask visitors who aren’t well to Stay away, to do a LFT test the day before visiting, to wear a 11R grade mask, when that’s removed for eating or drinking, to open windows and doors. She added life is full of risk, eg crossing the road, and to enjoy ourselves as much as possible/.
That reminds me of Maw and her much loved R - they did that so well x

I’m immunosuppressed due to medication for my Crohn’s disease, and had my 3rd primary dose 1st Oct immediately after being notified I needed it (first 2 were in Feb/May), so glad I did as I tested positive on Sunday (day after DH). I’m desperately hoping this latest dose will minimise the effects - so far I feel like I’ve got a heavy cold & hoping it doesn’t get worse!
I would only have been entitled to my booster last week, so wouldn’t have had the full benefit of it as I believe it takes 14 days to have an impact? Hope all of you entitled to the 3rd dose manage to get it.

Helen657 - hope you recover well, please let us know

Helen, I have my fingers crossed for you, too.

I am also immuncompromised and was running round in circles trying to get my third primary, eventually when receiving it they said they couldn’t record it as that on the database but made a note as to change it later ,just checked the nhs app and it’s showing as a booster ???? where to go from here to change it ??‍♀️??‍♀️??‍♀️

The Scottish App, doesn't even show the booster, let alone the third primary!

I had this problem and had huge difficulties in persuading the Drs receptionists that there was a difference. I think the confusion lies in that content of the actual vaccines is the same for both Third primary doses (TPD) and boosters. The difference is that people who are eligible for TPD do not have to wait for as long after their first two vaccinations to get the TPD as those who are having boosters. It also means the people who have had TPD may be offered boosters after the additional dose
JCIV also say that it is preferable for TPD for people who had Astra Zeneca for first and second doses to have a Pfizer or other mRNA vaccine as a TPD because they act in a different way to Astra Zeneca. What is still unknown is just how much protection immunosuppressed people will have from the vaccines - and probably be different for individuals. Bit of a scary minefield isn’tvit?

I've had my third primary, due to Crohns disease, which is an illness where the immune system reacts inappropriately, causing severe problems, and also for cancer and recent chemotherapy. I think I was one of the lucky ones and received an appointment through the post.

Apparently, I'll have to be given my 'booster' in 6 months.

I was talking to my friend, who is a doctor's receptionist in the next village. He told me that they have a list of patients, who require a third primary, but they are finding difficulty accessing it. GPs here do not do them and trying to access at the hubs is very problematic.

Hello again

I understand from previous posts, if you’ve had AZ for the first two vaccines, Pfizer is preferable for the booster, especially if you are CEV.

So, in the absence of the TPD, my husband should have the Pfizer.

Do you tell the vaccinator this?
Do they already know?

What’s the right procedure?
Sorry, I know I ask a lot of questions!