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Just got my 2nd Antibody Results from Pfizer vaccine

bertiedog

Senior Member
Messages
1,738
Location
South East England, UK
Because I felt my immune system was negatively affected after the Pfizer vaccines (developed an allergy to some gluten free products I never had within 3 weeks of the 1st vaccine and also I didn't have my usual energy level for over 3 months after the 2nd one. Therefore I knew I didn't want to have a booster so I paid for a private test using an NHS lab but organised through Yorktest.com to see what my antibody level was 3 weeks after my 2nd Pfizer vaccine which I had on 23 April. (1st one was on 9 February).

The result was extremely high at 1660 U/ml on 15 May.

I did the follow-up test for antibody levels last Thursday on 16 September and just got my results. They were 438 U/ml and the Lab states that the NHS consider a level over 250 as high. Obviously levels have dropped a lot as has been reported in the studies but if the NHS is right then I have nothing to worry about and don't need a booster which suits me fine. Naturally I am pleased that I am still protected against Covid and severe disease.

Not sure my GP will see it that way but I am going to decline the booster jab and probably will retest early in the New Year. I do think the decision is quite difficult for those of us who have a far from robust immune system due to ME/CFS.

Pam
 

ljimbo423

Senior Member
Messages
4,705
Location
United States, New Hampshire
Not sure my GP will see it that way but I am going to decline the booster jab and probably will retest early in the New Year. I do think the decision is quite difficult for those of us who have a far from robust immune system due to ME/CFS.

I've been undecided about getting the vaccine at all. I'm afraid my ME/CFS might get a lot worse and I can't afford that. Even though I'm pretty sure I've had Covid twice, about 9 months apart, the vaccine still makes me really nervous.

Your antibodies levels have been dropping an average of about 300 U/ml a month since May 15. If this is consistent, your antibodies levels would be 0 in less than 2 months.

Please don't take this as me pressuring you to get the booster. I just thought this info might be useful. I completely understand you not wanting the booster.
 

Zebra

Senior Member
Messages
868
Location
Northern California
Hi, @bertiedog

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and test results with us!

I am fully vaccinated (Pfizer), and I am *not* looking forward to possibly getting a booster shot in a few months. My body had a ridiculous, over-the-top reaction to the second dose. I am definitely not looking forward to a repeat of that experience.

I will follow your lead and get my antibody levels checked and consult my doctor about the need for, and timing of, a possible third dose.

There is also the moral question of equitable global distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines. It's appalling to me that I may be eligible for a third shot, when our fellow human beings in countries all over the world don't yet have the opportunity to receive a first dose.

I'm not interested in a political debate with anyone on PR, I'm just sharing a genuine feeling that weighs heavily on my heart every time I hear discussions of booster shots in the news.
 

bertiedog

Senior Member
Messages
1,738
Location
South East England, UK
Your antibodies levels have been dropping an average of about 300 U/ml a month since May 15. If this is consistent, your antibodies levels would be 0 in less than 2 months.

Yes I realise that is possible, hence the retest at beginning of next year. I also understand that the antibodies are only one part of the immune systems' response to a virus/infection and I think its the B cells that remember the virus so they will attack it and obviously we cannot or don't test for that.

Pam
 
Messages
2
Have you heard of TDetect? It tests your t cells which is better then antibodies. It's EUA approved and you can get it free if you make under 50,000 a yr assets don't count. And you do it in the phone. 90 percent accuracy if past infection 10 months. Google TDetect. If you don't it's about $200 or so. @ljimbo423