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
Stephanie
11/23/2021 (7:48 am)
I was originally infected with Lyme in the mid 1980’s at the age of 12 +/-. I am currently 46 years old. I was knocked down in October of 2017 with Lyme, Babesia, and Bartonella. After 4 years of conventional (ILADS) and herbal (Cowden & Buhner) protocols I was not getting any better. At times I lost my ability to speak, to walk, to care for myself. I stopped all antibiotics at the end of August and now I am on day 68 of the Lyme Laser Center protocol and I am 90% better. I am almost back to my pre-Lyme self. My symptoms (too many to list) are gone. I no longer have air hunger, pain is significantly improved. I felt like if I stayed on the other path I was on, I was destined to live a life of profound disability. I am under no circumstances getting any Covid injection, EVER. I simply do not trust the pharmaceutical industry or big government. The lies are too great and the conflicts of interest for the wealthy disheartening.This virus reminds me of Plum Island and Fort Detrick all over again. It is a dehumanizing disease that far too many highly “educated” healthcare providers simply do not understand. Best of luck to those suffering from this insidious disease.
Stephanie, BSN, RN
Lena
12/14/2021 (8:14 am)
Hi Stephanie. Can you please share with me what the Lyme laser center protocol is and where they are located. I’m desperate. I just recently came out of the hospital after being there for six days because my left leg was temporarily paralyzed. I’m very scared. I’m walking now again but with the support of walker which is still great because I’m getting my strength back. Thank you.
Gail
11/22/2021 (10:09 am)
I’ve had Lyme for 23 years, it’s something I would not wish on anyone. I have suffered with so many of the same things all of you have. I have pain everyday, brain fog, vertigo, nausea, allergies to everything! Some days so fatigued I can’t do anything. I also am terrified to have the covid shot. My son is ill right now, so I have an appointment to get it tomorrow. I’m getting it to be safe around him. I’m hoping all goes well. I’m confused.
Ursula
09/10/2022 (8:25 am)
Hi Gail,
I’m sorry to hear about your symptoms. Mine seem similar as well as the worries about the shot.
Did you get it and how are you feeling right now?
Love,
Ursula
Jenn
11/10/2021 (9:56 am)
Have you seen or heard of Lyme patients getting a booster mRNA vaccine? It has been the proper amount of time from my first two. I know that my Lyme and coinfections have altered my immune system and that I may not have had a full response to my initial vaccines, however I’m not sure that under current guidelines a person with Lyme disease is actually considered immune suppressed and would actually qualify to receive a booster.
Dr. Daniel Cameron
11/10/2021 (11:34 am)
I have patients who have taken the booster shot successfully. I have been encouraging everyone to share their experience with boosters through a survey. https://danielcameronmd.com/lyme-disease-covid-survey/ I am hoping to share the results soon.
Amy Paulson
12/02/2021 (8:26 pm)
I was diagnosed with babesia in June. I received my Covid shot (J&J) in April and had horrible side effects, ie fever, chills, headaches, body aches, nausea and more. I am eligible for the booster but because of my adverse reaction from the vaccine and babesia I am very hesitant. I completed the survey and looking forward to seeing your results.
Dr. Daniel Cameron
12/03/2021 (7:23 am)
Thanks for sharing your experience in the survey and here.
Paul
10/22/2021 (9:45 am)
I have had Lyme for the past 7 years. I also had covid that did not present symptoms, but has left me with durable antibodies for well over a year now. I can’t in a million years take a vaccine that is supposed to give me a version of what is already working for me with the potentials of more harm coming my way. This is great general advice in the article, but when it gets down to it, everyone’s body is different, it’s possible to know more relevant info about your body, and attempts to control others livelihood based on fear narratives is tyrannical in nature.
G. G. Haughey
09/28/2021 (1:04 pm)
Has anyone ever heard of Lyme actually protecting you against covid-19?
Lena
12/14/2021 (8:20 am)
No. Why? Did you hear that and where from or was it just a random question?