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
wen wenden
08/11/2021 (10:49 pm)
i had lyme, ehrllichiosis, babesiosis and was treated for 12 yrs with massive antibiotics on a daily basis…survived and healed.
Went thru hell. The TBD ate my thyroid gland and left me with diabetes type 2…I have been off antibios for 9 yrs but have to take thyroid meds and diabetes meds of course. I am fearful of any vaccine as I watched my dear friend get the flu shot and was almost killed with GBS. IVIG for a year saved her with two infusions a week…she was near death for a month and faced a long recovery but still left her suffering with neuropathy in her feet for which she takes a med… I fear both covid and the vaccine. I don’t know what to do so am getting ivermectin and Glutathione and NAC and Alpha lipoic acid….and masking up everywhere. It is risky as unvaxed are the ones dying and hospitalized from covid. But being a guinea pig with the CDC pushing it and denying the efficacy of ivermectin and hydroxychloroquin and other efficacious treatments makes me both suspicious and angry. They always say ‘follow the money’ and surely big money is being made by the companies who provide vaccines.
Tamara Flores
09/01/2021 (11:26 pm)
Wow. I wish I would have read this before I decided to get the vaccine. I told everyone I wasn’t going to get it and gave them all my reasons. Then my younger brother gets Covid -19 and was admitted to the hospital for a week to get help with his breathing. I was scared and frightened for him and for myself. The day after he was taken to the ER I went in to the nearest Pharmacy and decided to get my vaccine. I wasn’t scared at the very moment, actually I felt safer. I felt I had made the best decision after all. But this did not last. 3 days after, I felt a bit sore from my arm and warm hands and itching at the bottom of my feet . But I kept saying this shall pass as these are just a few side effects from it. A week later I was feeling tired, very tired. The second week I had severe flank pain, chest pain, felt extremely fatigue. I ended up in the ER with severe stomach burning pain and had 7 to 8 episodes of feeling like I was shutting off. I had no control. My husband was scared and said it looked like I was having many seizures. I was at the ER for about 4 hours but I asked to go home as I felt terrified being there with such a full floor of sick people with Covid. Next day, same thing. The rest of the week felt same. As I write this on my 3rd week from getting the vaccine, I am miserable!! I am just tired of feeling like there is something so off and I have no control. I’ve been to ER again. They say I am having panic attacks, but it’s definitely not that. My late stage Lyme has fully returned and with full revenge! I don’t now how much longer I can deal with this. It’s killing me slowly…and I feel absolutely miserable. I don’t remember ever feeling this bad, this sick, but maybe I don’t have the brain power and energy to even think. I wish I would have listened to myself … Please reconsider when planning on getting vaccinated if you have Late Stage Lyme like I do.
KC
09/03/2021 (9:03 am)
So sorry to hear about your return of Lyme. I’ve had 3 doctors advise me not to take the current vaccines due to Lyme/Babesia and EBV. So I’m choosing the safer route of prevention and protection. Everything that I’m reading on patient blogs for Lyme patients indicates that these vaccines are not a “one size fits all.” We can stay safe from covid with protocols like the FLCCC has been using. No one wants Lyme returned. It’s apparent that Lyme and late Lyme damages the immune system in a way that it’s compromised and is never the same again. So the “data” out now, meaning what Lyme patients are saying about their reactions to these vaccines shows that they should be exempt from these current shots until something safer comes out. Listen to the patients. The majority of Lyme patients are having problems. It’s sad. I’m listening to my immunologist, and I’m glad he was honest with me.It would be horrifying to have Lyme return.
Tamara Arauz Arauz Barahona
09/04/2021 (1:09 am)
Thank you very much for sharing the protocol information.
Iv screenshot for easy referense. I am glad you listened to your immunologist. This is so so terrifying. I am still in so much pain. Ive been given medication for IBS…but that is just one of the symptoms from the vaccine.
I hope you stay safe and well.
Jill edwards
09/09/2021 (3:35 am)
KC
What protocol are you referring to?
Lisa Waller
09/07/2021 (7:15 pm)
Thank you for sharing your struggles and co cerns. Prayers for you and your friend that you mentioned. I too share your concerns. God bless
Jennifer
10/20/2021 (1:09 am)
Hi, thought I would share my story. I have had Lyme disease for 3 years, which I have been treating with Cowden protocol. I also did a cycle of Hydroxychloroquine (low dose) which was the best I’ve felt in years! After hearing true horror stories from friends and family members about vaccine side effects (multiple heart attacks, paralysis, and blood clots in lungs) I decided to hold off on subjecting myself to the experimental vaccines as I didn’t know how it would react with my meds and Lyme disease. I figure I already have enough probs from lyme without adding anything more to the mix. My husband accidentally brought home Covid (Delta variant) and we both got sick for about 2 weeks. I don’t recommend it, but would compare it to a really weird form of the flu. I had severe fatigue and lost sense of taste and smell which made food taste horrible and felt strange. The worst part was a bad migraine that lasted a few days and kept me in a dark room along with joint pains. I had a bit of a lingering dry cough, but never felt short of breath or anything scary. My husband and I both recovered fully with no issues following Covid. We are both in our mid-30s and healthy other than me having Lyme, so those could be factors in having a mild case. Luckily we got no one else sick and are now immune, at least for a while now. I think everyone should be free to choose to vaccinate or not because we all have separate, unique circumstances that make us biologically diverse. For me, risk of vaccine was greater than risk of the virus and I feel confident I made the best choice for me. But I also respect others who may choose differently due to their own unique circumstances. I wish everyone health and safety during these difficult times. <3
chris
08/09/2021 (9:08 pm)
I had lyme and anaplasma in 2016 and ended up getting bell’s palsy on the right side of my face. The bell’s palsy cleared up within several weeks but lyme symptoms persisted a few years (numbness and cold/wet sensation on my head and fingers). I still have some things that I wonder if they are symptoms but overall feel like I’m better. I got my first pfizer shot a couple weeks ago and within a few minutes felt tingling in my right hand and right side of my face. It felt like it did when the bell’s palsy started in 2016. It lasted about a day but never progressed. I’m due for the 2nd shot soon and wonder if I shouldn’t get it.
Dr. Daniel Cameron
08/10/2021 (9:18 am)
I have favored the vaccine to prevent death and hospitalization. I have also been concerned with flare-ups in some of my patients and individuals reading my blogs. I advise working with a doctor to determine what is right for you. I would appreciate it if you could complete a survey on Lyme disease and COVID-19 to share your experience with others. You will find the link at https://danielcameronmd.com/lyme-disease-covid-survey/
Blake
08/04/2021 (12:53 pm)
I had Covid end of April beginning of may this year, had my good, bad and REALLY BAD days. I have had Lyme for about 19 years which feels weird to say because I’m only 26.. I have terrible joint and nerve pain (restless leg syndrome), brain fog, etc. And had open heart surgery when I was 2, among other surgeries. My work is considering mandating the vaccine and I never thought of how it would affect my Lyme until now. Reading your guy’s horror stories is eye opening. I severely doubt I will be getting these shots!
Dr. Daniel Cameron
08/04/2021 (1:52 pm)
Thanks for sharing your experience with COVID-19. Would you kindly be able to share your experience in my Lyme disease and COVID-19 Survey. You can access the survey on my website by clicking the orange button at https://danielcameronmd.com/lyme-disease-covid-survey/ or use the QR Code. You do not have the COVID-19 vaccine to share your concerns.
Debi Long
08/29/2021 (9:31 am)
I’m terrified of the vaccine.. first round of COVID I wasn’t afraid of it.. and I was fine although I lost my employment.. this round is hitting home literally, 3 of 5 in my home age 18,18&20 all got it.. my partner and I both 63 did not, but… that was Two weeks ago and now I’m showing symptoms and will be testing Monday… I have untreated, undiagnosed Lyme with multiple co infections and am being treated with rounds of ivermectin…I’veonly been diagnosed for approx 6 months and contacted Lyme min of 8 years ago.. no vaccine for me but I will also be holding up at home this go round.
Dr. Daniel Cameron
08/30/2021 (7:48 pm)
I have advised my patients with untreated Lyme disease to take an antibiotic if there is evidence of a persistent infection even if they do not take the COVID-19 vaccine.
amy arnold
12/03/2021 (4:50 am)
Dr. C, Do you think herbs are good for very very late stage neuro lyme (40 years here!!!) …. Just got dx.
Dr. Daniel Cameron
12/03/2021 (7:33 am)
I encourage my patients not to overlook antibiotic treatment.
sandra fruechting
08/02/2021 (2:04 pm)
Great thread on here, I’ve been suffering/diagnosed with chronic Lyme for over 15 years, got bit by a tick at Tahoe.
My DR. refused to treat me unless I got the tetanus shot have had no bad reaction however, the Corvid
vaccine is described by some as something out of space, I read that some of the ingredients might have Morgellons in it?
Scary, because I had the “delusional” experience in the beginning stages… and can’t imagine why they would use it.
Thank you so much DR Cameron for all the amazing work you do ,wish your office was near me.
Dr. Daniel Cameron
08/02/2021 (4:12 pm)
I have not seen evidence for vaccine continue Morgellons.
Chris Maier
08/28/2021 (1:18 pm)
I had Lyme disease in 1992 for months. Was given a lot of penicillin. Got better. A year ago I took the covid-19 antibody test and was positive (21.3 index). Almost the same antibodies are found in Lyme and covid-19. Am leary of getting the covid vaccine.
Dr. Daniel Cameron
08/30/2021 (7:44 pm)
Lyme disease and COVID-19 tests use similar procedures. For example, an ELISA or western blot but these test target different proteins.
Bettie Theroux
08/02/2021 (11:01 am)
Hello All, I have been a Lymes patient for 7 years. I have developed Lymes Carditis and lived through a spontaneous subarachnoid aneurysm in the fall of 18′. I want to live my best life and spend time with my grandchildren without fear Ss, I decided to take the Pfizer Vaccine. I had my first shot 2 weeks ago. I slept soundly for 2 days, getting up to eat and greet my family then back to bed. I have to say that my Lymes symptoms are noticeably reduced. (Brain fog, neuropathies & lethargy) I do anticipate my 2nd dose to be more challenging but I am looking forward to furthering wellness. This begs the question; are these diseases related? Dr. Cameron, you needn’t respond to this query, I wouldn’t do that to you… this is borne from my conspiracy-theory mind and is at best, rhetorical.
Jess
08/25/2021 (12:43 pm)
Hello Bettie. How are you doing after receiving the second Pfizer dose? I am trying to help my mom make this decision, she has had chronic Lyme for about 30 years. Please let me know how you did with the second dose. It’s refreshing to hear a positive reaction from the vaccine!
Thank you