Should Lyme disease patients with an impaired immune system get the COVID-19 vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posted mRNA COVID-19 vaccination considerations for people who have a weakened immune system. “People with HIV and those with weakened immune systems due to other illnesses or medication might be at increased risk for severe COVID-19.” [1] Individuals with Lyme disease, who may have an impaired immune system, have expressed concern over the vaccine.
People can have an impaired immune system from an overactive and underactive immune response. “A strong immune system responds appropriately to the challenge; a weak immune system may over-respond or under-respond,” explains Kostoff and colleagues in the journal International Journal of Molecular Medicine. [2] Should Lyme patients get the COVID-19 vaccine?
They added, “A weakened immune system appears to be the main determinant of serious/fatal reaction to viral infection (for COVID-19, SARS, and influenza alike).”
Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are examples of an over-response of the immune system. Lyme disease is another example of an overactive immune response. [3]
The CDC report touched on the risk to individuals with a weakened immune system in developing a severe COVID-19 infection. [1] It acknowledges that there is limited safety data on the use of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in individuals with an impaired immune system. “Information about the safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for people who have weakened immune systems in this group is not yet available.”
The report pointed out that, “People with weakened immune systems should also be aware of the potential for reduced immune responses to the vaccine, as well as the need to continue following all current guidance to protect themselves against COVID-19.”
The CDC guidance report was issued to allow individuals with a weakened immune system to make “an informed decision about receiving the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.”
The authors point out that there is little information above the vaccine’s impact on individuals with autoimmune conditions. “They should be aware that no data are currently available on the safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for them.” Nevertheless, the authors advised treatment.
Editor’s note: It is clear that COVID-19 can be severe for some individuals. There is a paucity of information on the risks and benefits of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccination for Lyme disease patients. I have been advising my patients to take the mRNA COVID-19 vaccination based on a review of the risks and benefits. Some doctors have advised against taking the COVID-19 vaccination based on their risk and benefit assessment.
Related Articles:
Are you reluctant to take the COVID-19 vaccine?
Opinion: Low COVID-19 vaccine trust among Lyme disease patients
References:
- Vaccination Considerations for Persons with Underlying Medical Conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/underlying-conditions.html Last accessed 12/31/20.
- Kostoff RN, Briggs MB, Porter AL, Aschner M, Spandidos DA, Tsatsakis A. [Editorial] COVID19: Postlockdown guidelines. Int J Mol Med. Aug 2020;46(2):463-466. doi:10.3892/ijmm.2020.4640
- Aucott JN, Soloski MJ, Rebman AW, et al. CCL19 as a Chemokine Risk Factor for Posttreatment Lyme Disease Syndrome: a Prospective Clinical Cohort Study. Clin Vaccine Immunol. Sep 2016;23(9):757-66. doi:10.1128/CVI.00071-16
Alison Gregor
07/25/2022 (3:58 pm)
I pulled a tick off me in June 2021, developed arthritis, was treated with six weeks of antibiotics and sent on my way (though it took several months to get over the arthritis). Then in May 2022, I pulled another tick off of me, developed arthritis and got antibiotics. It seemed to be working. Then, after taking them just over a week, I got a Covid booster. About 24 hours later, I began twitching, and since then, despite 28 days of antibiotics, the twitching has gotten worse, along with bodily vibrating or buzzing. I now have trembling, tremors, ringing in my ear, and jelly limbs that I’m having trouble controlling. I’m scared to drive. My infectious disease doctor refuses to treat me further and has sent me to a neurologist to be tested for M.S. However, I’ve found a Lyme literate doctor who I hope will treat me soon (in a month). I’m writing this simply to communicate my experience. I don’t know if there was a connection between the Covid booster and the apparent crossing of the blood-brain barrier by the Lyme, but it’s possible. And I hope I don’t end up chronically ill because of it.
Dr. Daniel Cameron
07/28/2022 (8:00 am)
There are overlapping immune responses with COVID, the COVID-19 vaccine and Lyme disease. There is so much to learn. I am glad you have planning on a second opinion on Lyme disease as part of your evaluation
Michelle Pinzino PA-C
09/27/2022 (4:57 am)
Lyme affected my gut to the point that I developed chronic pseudoileus and MCAS and was unable to eat more that 5 things without anaphylactic reactions. It took a long time to get under control and back to eating normally with Cromylin antihistamines prednisone probiotics, enzymes, flagyl physicians elemental diet, gut revive supplements. upon taking the Covid vaccine symptoms retuned immediately, tnf-a and IL-10 levels were very high and the only things found to help the issue was prednisone, digestive enzymes and flagyl. Flagyl has been studied and reduces inflammatory markers in this case. I’m interested in knowing if Monolauran could have a similar affect. I’m still having some issues and can’t have dairy, gluten, eggs, chicken and multiple other foods without getting sick.
It’s an immunologic overactivity to the proteins in the vaccine causing inflammation and allergic like symptoms and should be treated that way. Too many people are suffering and being forced to take the vaccine when they could get euvasheild instead or wear a mask and practice social distancing. There are even some suggestions that antivirals for herpes viruses help stop transmission as the two viruses are synergistic. There needs to be more research and a choice based on health history
Dr. Daniel Cameron
09/28/2022 (10:20 am)
There are more questions than answers.
Susan Filkins
05/26/2022 (3:46 pm)
Hello Dr. Cameron. I have RLTF for roughly 9 years now. It comes and goes with episodes and times of no episodes. My question is 1. : my RLTF has increase since have both Pfizer vaccines and booster. I am concerned the vaccines have affected my already weak autoimmune system. In 2020 I had only 6 episodes for the year however, since receiving my first vaccine in March 2021 to present I have had 28 episodes of RLTF.
2. Are there any studies addressing this issue with the vaccine? (I was required to get the vaccine to keep my employment with the federal government.)
Originally, after much blood testing and rounds and rounds of antibiotics the bacterial spirochete was never identified. I was sent to an infectious disease Dr. about 7 years ago to no avail. Not Lyme, not Rocky Mtn, etc. an unknown bacteria.
I do still have the dead tick in a jar if ever technology becomes available to do DNA on him?
Not knowing when another episode will happen is almost as debilitating as the actual fevers, chills, muscle and joint pain, and, headaches I get with each episode.
3. I wondering if my body’s response is overactive category because of the Covid-19 vaccines?
Please help with any information, Kindly Susan
Lori
06/08/2022 (11:30 pm)
I had been dx clinically in 2002 of late stage neurological Lyme after a seizure and year of brain fog. I believe infected in 1984 hospitalized for a week followed by severe headaches on and off then dx with primary Sjogren’s Syndrome and treated with prednisone could not tolerate Plaquenil or methotrexate. In 2002 after seizure 6 weeks IV rocephin than to Dr D in Boston with rotating antibiotics from 2003-2010 when he retired. Had no one finally found an id doc specializing in Lyme by this time felt in remission then because she was non reachable I had first 2 Covid vaccine and the booster in August. Then on February 18th I had my second booster at noon was fine but had an mri of cervical at 9 pm I experienced gun shot pains immediately and passed out cold the techs never noticed couldn’t push button my hand was numb left with those pains for days left with extreme histamine like headaches nightly with braccardyia insomnia now vision disturbances memory issues feel like lost my life again and no great doc. My Rheumy wanted to ramp of prednisone to 10 7.5 5 and back to ; that I was on thinking my autoimmune system is overreacting saying it’s all going to go away be patient. Well no better he said if no better by time back to original dose better find a Lyme doc then I need one I had almost 11 years of life watched three grandkids full time for 6 years then Covid hit I only thought of my autoimmune where do I turn is this the neuro Lyme feels like it butter never had this painful nightly head pain pressure do I need Ivs anything you can recommend I am scared this will kill me when I was trying to protect myself and why didn’t the mri team watch me asked when I had my last booster the combo did it I feel so stupid but docs should have talked to patients about possibilities and the ID doc nor none of them ever bought up the vaccine and the neurologist who sent me for cervical mri said checking for ms I was fine then told him I didn’t have MS never even did a neuro exam why did I do it I took my life away so ignorant
Mary Anne
05/19/2022 (5:46 pm)
Although it made me sick for several days, I got both doses of the Pfizer mRNA Covid vaccine, along with a booster (close to nine months ago). Thankfully, I have not yet gotten Covid (at least I have not ever tested positive for it or had symptoms). Even though I continue to be very careful to wear a mask in public, I do feel that the vaccine was also helpful in my case — at least for a number of months. I was planning to get a second booster, when it becomes available for those with compromised immune systems. However, I just barely found out (not even two weeks ago) that I have early stage invasive breast cancer (still waiting for further testing to determine the exact stage and diagnosis). As Covid cases are rising again — already up quite a bit here in Utah — I am wondering what you suggest for someone like me. Should I still plan to get the 2nd Covid booster if/when it is available to me? I am 47 years old, and for the first booster I qualified as a person with a compromised immune system – due to the medication I was taking for my autoimmune disease (which is really a result of chronic Lyme and various co-infections, EBV, etc.).
Dr. Daniel Cameron
05/20/2022 (10:41 am)
I am happy you tolerated the 2 shots and booster and than you have not had COVID-19 to your knowledge. I have have had the same concerns that you expressed. I have to discuss the pros and cons of COVID-19 and the vaccine with each of my patients. There is always uncertainty. I would likely favor the next booster given your new diagnosis of cancer.
Larry Nestell
05/02/2022 (10:11 am)
Hello Dr Cameron. I was a patient of yours several years ago..My question is; After having Lyme three times along with all the co-infections with last one that gave me Anaplasmosis and ehrilichosis that put me in the hospital (three years ago). Today I have what Many Dr’s call chronic Lyme. I have never felt the same since my first diagnosis and treatment of the Lyme and co-infections. The physical feelings have prompted me on several occasions to be tested for MS, fibromyalga and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The MS diagnosis is waiting for me to take the brain scan.
All of this said…am I a candidate for the second booster shot and if so how do I get it..do I need a Dr prescription for the second booster? Please advise
Dr. Daniel Cameron
05/03/2022 (7:50 am)
I am sorry to hear you are still ill. I advise working with your doctor on the vaccine booster decision.
Dee Peone
03/11/2022 (12:39 pm)
I understand the hesitancy about getting the vaccine when you have Lyme disease. I’m really surprised that Lyme specialist aren’t more concerned about how it will impact the immune system for chronic Lyme patients. People who have and suffer from this disease aren’t going to trust anything experimental. The comments in this article say enough about what the jab has done for those people who were told to get it. However… this is something to look into for anyone who hasn’t done it yet. It’s safer and sounds promising. There’s nothing in it like the other vaccines contain that might be questionable. I’m following the studies. It’s nice to see there’s a safer option coming about. Look up information about Novavax! It’s protein based without mRMA.
Ursula
09/10/2022 (8:15 am)
Hello Dee,
I am still doubting about Novavax, as I have Lyme’s as well.
Doctors have turned me away twice, with thrombosis, kidney and gallstones, plus heartrythm disorder.
I’m afraid they’ll turn me away when I develop severe symptoms.
Did you take the Novavax and how was your experience?
I hope you’re doing okay.
Love,
Ursula