For over a year, many of us have been confined to our homes, minimizing our social interactions and prioritizing public health. We’ve been eagerly anticipating the moment we can be fully vaccinated, allowing us to return to a semblance of normalcy — or something close to it. With around half of U.S. adults having received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine, this post-lockdown reality feels more tangible than ever.
However, about 3% of the adult population in the U.S. who are immunocompromised may still face risks of COVID-19 infection, even after vaccination. They cannot afford to relax their protective measures. For these vulnerable individuals, the COVID vaccine may not provide adequate protection, and their bodies might not even produce antibodies in response to the vaccine. Instead, they depend on those around them who can be immunized to contribute to a safer environment.
If only we were in a world where everyone, including those in authority, prioritized collective well-being over personal choices like mask-wearing and vaccination — choices that could help prevent the spread of a virus that has claimed the lives of over 567,000 people in the U.S.
Unfortunately, many individuals still adopt a “let’s wait and see” attitude. This doesn’t apply to people facing vaccine accessibility challenges but rather to those who believe they don’t need the vaccine — whether due to anti-science views or a misguided belief in benefiting from herd immunity without contributing to it.
It’s crucial to understand that getting vaccinated not only protects you but also safeguards those who cannot be vaccinated or are immunocompromised and may not generate a strong antibody response, even post-vaccination or after an infection. Individuals in this category could face longer illness durations and potentially higher mortality rates, up to 55%.
The Efficacy of COVID Vaccines in the Immunocompromised
While it’s uncertain how many immunocompromised individuals have not responded to COVID vaccines, experts advise that specific groups take extra precautions. This includes organ transplant recipients, blood cancer survivors, and those on immunosuppressive medications like Rituxan or Remicade. Dr. Samira Wallace, an expert in immunotherapy at the National Health Institute, expressed concern about understanding and addressing the needs of these patients.
To recap, the immune system serves as our body’s defense mechanism against pathogens like bacteria and viruses. When it encounters unfamiliar antigens, it stores information on how to fight them. Vaccines act as preparatory guides, helping our immune systems recognize threats without actual infection.
For immunocompromised individuals, this process can be hindered. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus often require immunosuppressive treatments that can inhibit the immune response. Organ transplant recipients must take anti-rejection medications, similarly suppressing their immune systems. Cancer treatments, particularly traditional chemotherapy, can damage healthy cells and further weaken immunity.
Due to these compromised immune systems, these individuals may be unable to produce adequate antibodies in response to COVID vaccines. A study published in JAMA indicated that only 17% of transplant recipients who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine developed detectable COVID antibodies within three weeks, compared to 100% of immunocompetent individuals. Those on certain anti-metabolite medications were significantly less likely to generate an antibody response.
For those who are currently battling or have overcome blood cancers, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has created a registry for tracking their responses to vaccines. Additional studies are underway to evaluate the effectiveness of COVID vaccines in immunocompromised populations.
The Importance of Vaccination for All
This brings us to the concept of herd immunity. This term refers to a sufficient portion of the population being immune, either through vaccination or previous infection, thereby indirectly protecting those who are not immune. Achieving herd immunity is crucial; if large segments of the population, including the immunocompromised, remain vulnerable to COVID, returning to pre-pandemic life will be more challenging. Prolonged illness in a vulnerable population allows the virus to mutate, leading to new variants.
Immunologist Dr. Lisa Montgomery from Harvard University emphasizes the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by immunocompromised individuals to ensure their safety.
If you’re tired of hearing the same message, rest assured others are equally weary of writing it. Please, get vaccinated — not just for your own protection, but also for those who cannot be vaccinated. If we all want to return to our previous lives, we need to act collectively.
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Summary
Immunocompromised individuals may not produce sufficient antibodies after COVID vaccination, putting them at continued risk of infection. This population includes organ transplant recipients and those on immunosuppressive medications. It is vital for others to get vaccinated to help protect these vulnerable groups and achieve herd immunity.