protective responses to SARS-CoV-2.
For those without detectable antibodies, the size of the response was lower and delayed, the researchers found.
“This data not only reveals that patients undergoing anti-CD20 infusions are still able to mount important COVID-19 vaccine responses which are likely to protect from severe illness, but also informs our clinical practices in how we advise patients with MS and other autoimmune disorders on such therapies,” researcher Dr. Amit Bar-Or, chief of the division of MS and related disorders at Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine says.
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“For example, knowing that responses are weakest immediately following an anti-CD20 infusion, we can now advise patients to wait a number of months after their therapy to get a COVID-19 vaccine,” Bar-Or adds in a university news release.
Because of the limited antibody responses among patients receiving anti-CD20 treatment, they might not be able to kill the virus as quickly before it infects other cells, the researchers say.
As a result, they could be carriers of the virus for a longer period of time.
You should always consult with your healthcare provider about your medical condition, and what is appropriate for you.
Additionally, the CDC has more information about vaccines for immunocompromised people.