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
Maude Muto
03/05/2021 (7:31 pm)
Once again thank you for writing about the important things Dr C! My question relates to cytokine storms. I am now in remission. When I was the sickest with Lyme I had very high CRP and cytokine levels. Since Covid causes cytokine storms I’m nervous about getting the Pfizer vaccine. But I’m getting my first dose tomorrow anyway because I’m way more scared of dying from Covid. Could you write about cytokines and how they relate to Lyme and the vaccine? Thank you
Dr. Daniel Cameron
03/06/2021 (7:57 am)
I have found it difficult to find clear information on cytokines with COVID-10 and the COVID-19 vaccine to write about, yet. Let me know how it works out.
Maude
03/06/2021 (8:03 am)
Thank you! I’ll let you know how I feel and I’m prepared with my arsenal of herx meds
Whitney A Hakim
02/15/2021 (8:43 am)
Is it generally safe for someone being treated for co-infections to receive the vaccine? I am scheduled for March 6th and currently on Doxy, Fluconazole and Cefuromine…as well as Samento, Houttuynia and Cryptolepis. My co-infection symptoms are stable and I have shown marked improvement.
Dr. Daniel Cameron
02/15/2021 (2:03 pm)
My patients are torn with the risk of the vaccine vs risk of COVID-19. My patients have tolerated the vaccine. I have a few readers who write that they have had a flare-up. Most of my patients take the vaccine after weighing the risks and the benefits.
John
01/29/2021 (3:42 pm)
I’m in the wait and see mode. My coworkers aunt got the vaccine over a month ago and then got Covid-19.She died a few days later
Anthony
01/20/2021 (10:36 am)
On Saturday, I just received the Moderna vaccine and so far have had no reaction. I live in a congregate setting. We currently have a severe cluster outbreak of COVID-19 in the very building where I live. Seeing COVID-19 first-hand motivated me to get the vaccine despite the risks. I have also been supplementing with Vitamin C, D3, Zinc, herbals, teas, and am taking antibiotics for Lyme. My chronic Lyme Disease symptoms mimics COVID-19 symptoms. The only way to know is to get tested. The vaccine is not for everyone, but it maybe for some with chronic Lyme Disease. My decision was based on the greater risk of contracting COVID-19 with Lyme Disease vs the risk of receiving a vaccine which could help protect me against COVID-19. Each person needs to decide for him/herself what is best for them.
Chaya Ish-Shalom
01/20/2021 (1:34 am)
After battling Lyme for ten years under your care I’ve been symptom free for five years now. Based on the good doctor’s suggestion that the danger from contracting covid 19 seemed to be far greater than any risk there might be from the vaccine, I decided to take it – I had my second shot of the Pfizer vaccine last week, no side effects, no reactions – so far so good
Robin
03/16/2021 (1:55 pm)
Can you comment on how your feeling since the second vaccine?
Ashley
04/05/2021 (1:42 pm)
Thank you for your comment! Could you update us on how you felt since the second dose and so on?