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
Karen Austin
02/23/2023 (12:35 pm)
I was not aware that taking COVID vaccines could be detrimental to my health on top of Lyme disease. I have taken 4 vaccines over the last 2 years and have not had any change in the symptoms which I have had for at least 2 years and which I attribute to Lyme disease. Fingers crossed! Thanks Dr. Cameron
Dr. Daniel Cameron
02/24/2023 (7:41 am)
I did not find it detrimental to participants with Lyme disease who took the vaccine in a large survey (accepted for publication today). Nevertheless, there are some individuals who reported a flareup of symptoms. We could use more research in this area. I also advise my patients with symptoms after a COVID-19 vaccine to look again at for a persistent tick borne infection.
Mark
02/21/2023 (8:34 am)
Just came across this two years after the fact. I’ve been suffering for over a year and a half post 2nd dose of mRNA vax. I had occasional problems in the past with joint pain flare-ups and irritable bowel. Now I have many more bad than good days. I also have extreme tinnitus, extreme fatigue that comes and goes. I may have undiagnosed rheumatoid arthritis or something similar. My shoulders and hip become very painful for no reason for days on end and then it’s gone suddenly. I also tested positive for Lyme’s about a year ago even though I live nowhere near ticks. I must have had it from years ago and didn’t know it. I wish I would have been warned ahead of time and I feel like those who should have been advising caution because of the unknowns were either asleep behind the wheel or worse emotionally or worse yet financially driven by their actions. These jabs were pushed with zero regard to the individuals complicated immune system. I fear the damage is untold and may remain untold because of what’s at stake.
Dr. Daniel Cameron
02/23/2023 (7:16 am)
I have had patients in my practice with long covid and others who have symptoms after vaccination. Some of them have benefited by re-treatment for their Lyme disease.
Susan p raboy
09/19/2022 (4:12 pm)
I have commented many times here but could not complete your survey! Started with Lyme and now after moderns vaccine made me unconscious hospital 10 days rehab 7! Now my entire body burns and hanmertoes/arthritis much worse! Also bowel/uro pain. I don’t know why the survey rejected me but I feel like I’m wasting my time. There are no drs who help Lyme because at this point there is no cure and I did not know you are an associate of Dr Horowitz who takes cash only. This is not a concerned Dr but just one that wants to line his pockets at other people’s suffering. I !I’ve one mile from him in Hyde park ny and I can’t afford his protocol and potions supplements. Don’t really know what you’re trying to accomplish. Good day