This makes me happy! I have three autoimmune disorders: rheumatoid arthritis, Sjorgen’s, and lupus.
The FDA gave the green light for a COVID booster shot for immunocompromised people:
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for both the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine to allow for the use of an additional dose in certain immunocompromised individuals, specifically, solid organ transplant recipients or those who are diagnosed with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is scheduled to meet Friday to discuss further clinical recommendations regarding immunocompromised individuals. Today’s action does not apply to people who are not immunocompromised.“The country has entered yet another wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the FDA is especially cognizant that immunocompromised people are particularly at risk for severe disease. After a thorough review of the available data, the FDA determined that this small, vulnerable group may benefit from a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna Vaccines,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D. “Today’s action allows doctors to boost immunity in certain immunocompromised individuals who need extra protection from COVID-19. As we’ve previously stated, other individuals who are fully vaccinated are adequately protected and do not need an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine at this time. The FDA is actively engaged in a science-based, rigorous process with our federal partners to consider whether an additional dose may be needed in the future.”
Our immune system is similar to those who have had a “solid organ transplantation.” It is hard to fight off any virus, even the common cold. That kind of cold lasts a lot longer than it would in a body with a standard immune system.
We have weak immune systems, but we also take medicine that weakens them even more. I take Methotrexate once a week and a Simponi infusion every eight weeks. You cannot even take the medications if you’re on simple antibiotics. (One time, I had a sinus infection. I didn’t go to the doctor until after I had my infusion!)
Therefore, our immune systems don’t always respond well to a vaccine. It’s why I had to skip my Methotrexate the week of and after both shots.
It is why the FDA determined a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine will increase protection in those with a compromised immune system.
I do not know how many immunocompromised people received the first two doses of the vaccine. My rheumatologist was iffy since there is not a lot of data on the vaccines with the immunocompromised. She gave the okay in late March after talking to colleagues and other rheumatologists around the country. I had to keep her updated on everything, too.
The mRNA vaccines like COVID, flu, and pneumonia are the only ones we can have since it does not contain the virus. It’s why we cannot get booster shots of vaccines like measles, mumps, MMR, etc. Those vaccines have a live virus in them. You’d literally give yourself the virus.
I’m wondering if this will persuade more people like me to get the vaccine. The vaccine results were sporadic in my RA support group. Some doctors still do not want their patients to get the vaccine. I cannot blame them. I had pneumonia in December 2019 and almost had to go to the hospital. I cannot imagine having COVID with my immune system.
So, my fellow weakened immune system people! First and foremost, talk to your doctor. The FDA, CDC, Fauci, Biden, and any other talking head are not substitutes for your specialist. Always consult them first. Please.
If your specialist says you can get the vaccine I hope you choose to get it. After the first shot, I had awful fatigue for one day. After the second shot, I had those lousy flu body aches for one day. Other than that, I had no problem with it.
Also, get your flu and pneumonia shot! I didn’t in 2019 and paid the price. I allowed my rheumatologist to yell at me because I deserved it.
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