(Snippets from the frontline)
COVID-19/BLM: Am I immune?
Some of my patients have had COVID-19. None have died.
The pandemic continues, but vaccines are on the horizon. A few utilize new mRNA (messenger RNA) techniques, and must remain at cold temperatures. Others were created as in the past. None though guarantee your body developing immunity.
Pharmaceutical companies state at least 90% protection. Is there anyone worried about the last 10%? For my patients, knowing whether protective antibodies have been produced is important. Fortunately, we have technology to partially answer this question.
If you know you haven’t had COVID-19, consider this: Have a blood antibody test prior to receiving the vaccine. About 2 weeks after your last shot, have another blood test for antibodies. Theoretically, you should be positive if your body has responded to the vaccine. (We still don’t know scientifically how effective nor how long these antibodies last.)
Still, you might worry less every time you have a runny nose or cough, and not continuously fear COVID-19 is sneaking up on you.
Science is learning, so ask your doctor.
Insurance companies could make you pay out-of-pocket for these tests, but knowing your body has responded may give you peace of mind.
Gene Uzawa Dorio, M.D.
Question mark inside droplet from vaccine syringe
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