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
Honor Murphy
09/22/2021 (5:57 pm)
Hi all , this has been really helpful!. I am so glad to have found some people with Lymes , hashimotos, EBV, etc…. I have had Lymes since I was a kid. Didnt realize it until I actually tested CDC positive in 2017. got all my 7 kids tested and all positive in varying degrees ( if you can say that). I didn’t do antibiotics because of terrible candida throughout my life. I Treated with herbs and Ozone hemotherapy. Candida diet , antifungals, etc.. too much to mention. I have been high functioning all along… brain fog for sure along with arm issues ( nerves). I am not sure why I have done pretty well but I am assuming it is because my parents really fed me well and I continued to eat healthy and exercise all of my life not knowing what I know now. I work as a PT but can only handle Part time now but I am 56 years old. I have not been immunized yet. Simply put I am scared of having a terrible reaction. I have been called selfish and uncaring and everything you can think of by my own family ( not my immediate family but brothers and sisters. I have worked hard to decrease my thyroglobulin and thyroidperoxidase numbers from. uncountable to 150-400.. ( not great but better ) I cant afford to go backwards . Reading this forum helps me to not feel so alone in this struggle and helps me to know that others are going through the same thing. Thanks Dr Cameron. Can you tell me ……if the novavax vaccine is released (non MRNA) in the USA… would that be possibly a better choice for those of us who are struggling with Lymes, hashimotos, EBV, heavy metal toxicity?
Dr. Daniel Cameron
09/23/2021 (1:21 pm)
I do not know enough about the upcoming vaccines to help you.
elizabeth davich
09/21/2021 (5:51 pm)
I was diagnosed with Lyme and multiple coinfections in 2011. Undiagnosed and misdiagnosed for 13 years. I have already had covid twice. October 2020 and February 2021. I recovered about 90% of previous health in about 3 weeks with the first case and am still very much struggling after the second case. Both cases landed me in the ER a few nights but I was never admitted. I have not received a vaccine yet for fear of a cytokine storm. I feel as though if I’m not properly protected after 2 natural infections why would a vaccine be different.
Dr. Daniel Cameron
09/22/2021 (12:52 pm)
Could you share your story in the Lyme disease and COVID-19 survey if you have not already done so. The link is https://danielcameronmd.com/lyme-disease-covid-survey/
Tracy Minor
09/18/2021 (3:14 pm)
Iv had Lyme for over 13 years- (I’m 36) It went untreated for over a year before I knew what it was. I went to a great doc who has since retired – and was on antibiotics for years (on and off). I have moved, had kids- and have basically put my own health on the back burner for so many years- going through cycles for where I feel great, and days weeks or months where I can barely function. I almost ALWAYS have chest wall pain..- especially during the night. Like so many others, I’m searching for what to do… vaccinate or no? I’m so torn. I need to find a good Lyme doctor in my area. A couple of years ago I did try to start the health journey again by starting with a primary- of course her bloodwork said no lyme. Based on my symptoms she sent me to a rheumatologist who spent 4 mins with me and diagnosed me with “post Lyme syndrome” and sent me on my way. Any advice???
Dr. Daniel Cameron
09/18/2021 (8:17 pm)
Some doctors are diagnosing Post Lyme Syndrome or Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome without a test to rule out a persistent infection.
Lorrie quick
10/14/2021 (3:26 pm)
I had a horrible reaction with having lyme and my doctor keeps pushing for 2nd shot and I’m a health care worker who is mandated and she won’t sign for medical exception. I was sick n had a flare up for 6 days and she failed to return my call Monday n blindly said without seeing me to do it again.
Kelly Elsasser
12/06/2021 (10:26 pm)
Do you still feel the side effects of your 1st Covid Vaccine? If the side effects stopped after 6 days, in the long term, would you consider the protection of the vaccine worth the side effects? We’re trying to help my husband’s son, with lymes, decide whether or not to get Covid vaccine.
Robin Craig
09/09/2021 (9:54 am)
Has anyone treated their Lyme with bee venom therapy? My daughter has been on BVT for a year now and is showing some improvement – not big, but she is better. Any information about the covid vaccine, Lyme and bee venom?
Dr. Daniel Cameron
09/09/2021 (7:47 pm)
I have not seen any. Perhaps a reader will share some information.
Lisa Jones
09/14/2021 (9:00 pm)
I don’t see anyone who has commented who has maintained remission for quite some time and vaccine results ? I’m so scared of both covid and the vaccine that it’s starting to cause me a lot of anxiety. My last bloodwork results were perfect. I just do not know what to do ?
Lisamarie Windwalker
12/02/2021 (8:17 pm)
G’Day Lisa!
I have been asymptomatic for several years until I received the two CoVid vaccines in early May of 2021. I had reactions both times starting with a migraine headache 15 minutes after receiving both vaccines. The current Lyme symptoms seem to be mild compared to what I lived through during the worst years of Lyme; some ringing in the ears, vision issues, increase asthma/breathing issues, Lyme arthritis in the feet, knees, neck and hips, muscle and tendon weakness and some lethargy. I am a very active being. I have decided not to get the booster unless I am required to do so for work. I also suspect that I contracted CoVid in March of 2020. I was told by western medical professionals that an antibody test would not show CoVid antibodies so late after an infection, so I will never know for sure.
Dr. Daniel Cameron
12/03/2021 (7:22 am)
Thanks for sharing. I discussed the first findings from the survey with Dr. Cameron during a webinar on 12/1/21. Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hCIejZd1W0&t=2389s
The burden of symptoms were the worse for individuals with a history of Lyme disease who had COVID-19. Over one in five reported severe side effects lasting more than 3 days after the vaccination.
I am thankful for the more than 1,000 individuals with Lyme disease who have completed the survey. I would appreciate it if you could encourage others to complete the Lyme and COVID-19 survey. Link https://danielcameronmd.com/lyme-disease-covid-survey/
Colleen flynn
09/27/2021 (8:13 am)
My husband has suffered from recurring Lyme disease for 25 years. He had covid back in March 2020. He received the J and J vaccine in July and has since felt not really right. He recently tested positive for Lyme disease again and feels the vaccine may have triggered a relapse. What are your thoughts on this?
Dr. Daniel Cameron
09/27/2021 (2:56 pm)
Some of my Lyme disease patients have have described a flareup of their Lyme disease. Others do not. I posted a Lyme disease and COVID-19 survey to determine how often and how severe these relapses are. I would appreciate it if you would complete the survey if you have not already done so. Here is the link. https://danielcameronmd.com/lyme-disease-covid-survey/
Gia
09/30/2021 (9:20 am)
I had the Pfizer shot and I was fine for a couple weeks. I’m not sure what happened, it was either the shot once it was in my body long enough to do it’s thing or, the one time I went in the grass this summer for a wedding (didn’t see a tick on me but it’s possible as we know). Both were around the same time as I got the shot right before the wedding. I’ve had flu symptoms, horrible fatigue, chronic sinus issues for 3 months now. I’ve been tested for covid as I have all the symptoms but negative. I was tested on the Asyra Bio-energetic scan (which I’m a huge believer in) and I have active Babesia, Bartonella, and Borrellia now. These are the same 3 strains I have been fighting for 13 years but I have had them in check except for the Bartonella. I am treating now with Doxycycline and Zith along with the Cowden protocol for 2 months with slight progress but Im constantly fighting a cold or soar throat, fatigue bad my back hurts, I can tell my immune system is shot. I’ m bedridden most days so I’m not putting myself at risk. I don’t know what came first, “the chicken or the egg” but, I either got bit at that wedding, or the Pfizer shot caused a breakdown in my immune system and a flair in all Lyme strains in me. Once I can turn this corner, I don’t think I’m willing to take the risk of getting the second shot. This is pretty awful. 🙁
Tim
10/01/2021 (4:11 am)
I am so sorry Gia. I am in so much pain already and fatigue from lyme (for last 30 years, I am late 50s now) that I am scared to death of the vaccine. I completely understand your stance and you should NOT feel guilty if you decide to avoid the shot. I will pray for you.
Rita
12/09/2021 (1:39 am)
Gia. If you didn’t see any bites around your legs. Definitive this was a reaction against the Pfizer vaccine. Your description shows a pure reaction against this type of vaccine. The vaccines sometimes take from 14 days to a month to present reaction symptoms. You should double-check with your doctor who is treating you to help you define the cause of your allergic reaction to the vaccine. You need to denunciate this case it is very scary. I hope you are feeling good now. Thanks for sharing your story.
Susan p raboy
08/19/2022 (11:28 am)
Susan p raboy I am on home page! I’ve had Lyme since 1999! Upstate NY! First the shingles shot caused neuropathy! I didn’t know pharmacist did not tell me! I was on valacyclovir she knew that. That shot set me up for things to come! Ruptured 2 fingers more trouble walking/ standing pain up my rectum!!!! Downhill from there! Found out I had low lgA you don’t fight infections!
Years later trusted my Dr for covid moderns at his office to be safe today is aug 19/2022. 5 days later my bf came home from work finding me unconscious! I had AkI UTI fever RHABDO SEPSIS! Rushed to hospital given iv excessive fluid resucitation 8 days! Hospital 10 days rehab 7 days! Away from home 17 days! Nurses were mean to me! Nite nurse male named Robert nice! Now after being home 6 months my body started to burn Everywhere! Too sick and no help! I have left several comments and this is an update!
I can’t seem to get thru Dr Cameron’s survey! The medical industry is gaslighting me! I am bedridden completely! I did not get timely or proper treatment for neuropathy. Dr Richard bordowitz was mean I told him I was having trouble walking and he said “,WELL YOU WALKED IN HERE dDIDNT YOU!!!???? Who says that? I would like to her from Dr Cameron personally as 20 years of hell is too much to put here!!!!
Colleen
08/12/2021 (9:20 pm)
I’ve been struggling with late stage neurological Lyme disease for 30 years. I was finally diagnosed when I had a Bell’s palsy, and white matter on my brain mri, but it was a new disease back then and that was why it went undiagnosed for so long. As bad as it is to have my memory be so bad and my body to be so tired and not sleep since I was 17, I was lucky enough to not really have the joint symptoms. After the second Pfizer dose, I feel as though my joints have been stiff and my body has been sore. I was hesitant before getting the shots, now I decided I am not getting any boosters or anything else. I keep praying for a miracle every night!!