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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsCovid antibody testing
How do you go about getting tested for the status of your current Covid antibodies?
Do you need a specific reason in order to get tested for this?
Do you request a test from your primary care provider?
I quickly tried to look this up, but the results I found are confusing me. The Google results placed me under the assumption that there are antibody tests available through labs that indicate whether you have been infected with Covid in the past, thus creating antibodies. But vaccinations also create antibodies I would think, as well as "memory cells" that would stimulate your immune system to fight off Covid if you were to get it? I'm interested in knowing if my three vaccination doses are still offering me any protection, since my third and final shot (1st booster) was in September 2021.
I'm continuing to double-mask regardless since the cases in my county are starting to rise again, and most people have ceased masking. Who would have thought that cases would start rising again?
Asking because my immune system is compromised, and if I understand this correctly, compromised people sometimes do not get the benefit of full protection from vaccinations. So I would be interested in knowing my degree of protection at this point.
Thank you in advance for any responses.
OnDoutside
(19,890 posts)discussing something like this and iirc it was in the 3-4 dose range. As it happens, here in Ireland I was offered, and took, my 4th dose/ 2nd booster shot a couple of weeks ago. I was happy to do so because Covid is absolutely rampant at the moment. However 95% of the adult population has at least 2 doses, so it's just appearing as a cold and a scratchy throat. If you are eligible, I'd get it. I'm bringing my 15year old son for his 3rd shot tomorrow.
LuckyCharms
(17,236 posts)a 4th shot (second booster), but she had no idea about it.
I know that Pfizer is seeking FDA approval for a 4th shot for everyone, and *I think* Moderna is seeking approval for those over 65?
I think a 4th shot is currently available for those with very specific situations (like chemo patients for example). I've also read that you can kind of bullshit your way into getting a 4th shot here in the US now. I'm 63 years old with a compromised immune system, but my immune system is not compromised by any of the specific conditions required for 4th shot approval. Given that, I'd rather not give false information to obtain the 4th shot.
I'd feel a lot better if I had an idea of how to get an antibody test so I could gauge my risk level, even if the tests are expensive and not covered by insurance.
I'd like to start living like a human being again, but the mask situation where I live is ridiculous, so I basically only go to absolutely necessary doctors appointments and labs for my frequently required bloodwork.
I went for labwork at the hospital the other day. Some guy walked by me, within one foot of me, with his mask around his chin only, WHISTLING LOUDLY while looking at me.
My friends are getting Covid because they can't stay out of the bars, because, you know, it's no fun drinking at home. People just amaze me.
Evolve Dammit
(16,564 posts)information is all over the place and each provider and State's CDC/ agency with the lead, vary a bit. I would work with primary care provider, let them know your concerns/questions and have them find out what you can get. Gotta be your own advocate and if you have someone who knows you well, it can help. Not easy though. Keep us posted.
OnDoutside
(19,890 posts)sent me text messages (which I initially thought were scam messages ... lol !) and then voice mail messages. I eventually called the national helpline and they confirmed that I was eligible. When i went into the nurse at our city hall, she said "but you're not immunocompromised" (though I have always had weight issues). She said she had turned away 5 people the previous weekend (which was really silly when there are people who actually want to be vaxxed) but as it was the last day of that vaccination center, she said she didn't care now and jabbed me ! I went as a walk in but I could have made a formal appointment at another center if she pushed it.
It definitely isn't out to the general public but it sounds like you should definitely push it with your health provider. The US has been to the forefront of who should be eligible, and Europe has followed on later, so it is worth following up. That said, my brother lives in Florida and hasn't received his 4th shot yet, and he has significant health issues.
We're going to a friend's 50th birthday party this evening at a bar (I doubt anyone will have a mask on), and I did question my wife as to whether we are doing the right thing, with Covid being rampant currently. I guess we are trying to be rational, me with 4 shots, herself with 3, and tomorrow our son will have 3, so at what point do we face occasions like this with the vast majority of people just suffering a cold and a sore throat for a few days.
Have a look at these Michael Osterholm links
Michael T. Osterholm is Regents Professor and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.
This from the WP back in November
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/11/24/cdc-got-it-wrong-it-should-have-urged-all-adults-get-covid-19-booster-shots/
Even though the United States is experiencing a new surge of covid-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended last week that all adults be made eligible for booster shots but only urged shots for people older than 50. That was a big mistake. It should have urged all adults to get them. Public health officials have always expected that mRNA coronavirus vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech) to be a three-shot regimen. The only question was when the third shot would be necessary. Originally, the hope was that it would be after one or two years. It turns out, it is necessary at about six months.
SNIP
More than 10 large reports have shown that the reduced protection from infections, including symptomatic infections, across all age groups, wanes from 90 to 95 percent at two months down to about 60 percent for Pfizer and 70 percent for Moderna after five to six months. There is further substantial waning after six months. The good news is that a booster dose can restore that initial efficacy, as data makes abundantly clear. One randomized trial of Pfizers vaccine involving more than 10,000 participants half receiving a third shot and the other half receiving a placebo booster showed a remarkably high 95-percent efficacy. In that trial, people aged 18 to 55 benefited just as much as those older than 55. There were no safety issues raised, such as myocarditis.
SNIP
Israel used booster shots for all adults as its principal and highly effective strategy to manage its worst surge of the pandemic. There, the status of fully vaccinated is defined as having received three shots. Indeed, the United States has consistently ignored critical lessons from Israel and Europe throughout the pandemic. By not strongly urging all fully vaccinated adults to get a third shot, the CDC has failed its responsibility to protect the public, fundamentally missing a strategy that would limit the surge in cases not to mention the toll it will have in terms of long covid-19 and hospitalizations. It has also engendered confusion by not keeping its recommendation simple, suggesting an illusion that there is a sharp age gradient for the benefit of boosters, which is clearly not the case.
Now, as we confront yet another surge, it is not the time to withhold a vital and validated means of boosting our efforts to contain the virus.
and this is from a month ago
https://fortune.com/2022/02/16/covid-pandemic-next-six-months/
What do the next 6 months look like for the COVID pandemic?
Osterholm says that while he would likely recommend a fourth dose to those who want it, more boosters of the same vaccine likely provide little protection to the general public. We cant dose our way out of this pandemic, he notes.
Instead, he believes vaccine producers will need to formulate a second generation of the vaccine thats more broad-based than the variant-specific doses being formulated now.
Bottom line: The virus that causes COVID is here to stay for the foreseeable future, even if national case counts arent breaking records. This virus is well adapted for human to human transmission. The reason why thats so important is that it means its going to be next to impossible to eliminate, Brewer says.
And his podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-osterholm-update-covid-19/id1504360345
In "Expect the Unexpected," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the rise in cases in Europe and the Western Pacific Region and what that could mean for the United States. Dr. Osterholm also provides insight on the COVID situation in Ukraine and answers a COVID query on if and when a fourth dose of vaccine will be needed.
LuckyCharms
(17,236 posts)detailed post.
chowder66
(8,999 posts)The Biden administration plans to give Americans 50 years and up an option to get a second booster shot: report
https://news.yahoo.com/biden-administration-plans-americans-50-144800511.html
He has to get congressional approval for funding though.
LisaL
(44,961 posts)second booster (fourth shot).
LuckyCharms
(17,236 posts)certain conditions to meet the requirements (unless they have changed it since I read it a few weeks ago?).
Ahna KneeMoose
(302 posts)I found this by way of the googlez; however, I'm not certain it would be of any help for you, but here it is just the same...
COVID-19 Antibody Testing | Labcorp :: This test checks for antibodies to COVID-19. If you've been exposed to COVID-19 or vaccinated, your body produces antibodies as part of your immune response.
LuckyCharms
(17,236 posts)"or vaccinated" part. I'll look at this again.
Welcome to DU!
yonder
(9,620 posts)littlemissmartypants
(22,331 posts)There's a prerequisite for the test. I was tested because I had symptoms but I tested negative. I think they sent off for both tests at the same time. That might be because of the possibility of testing negative but still being infected. Which the antibody test would clarify. ❤
🌻🇺🇦❤🇺🇦🌻 Slava Ukraini! 🌻🇺🇦❤🇺🇦🌻
DFW
(53,930 posts)They took a blood sample and checked it for antibodies.
Last time, we had ours checked, we were negative for both virus and antibodies. On the other hand, my cholesterol level showed that I had been dead for 12-15 months.......
littlemissmartypants
(22,331 posts)🌻🇺🇦❤🇺🇦🌻 Slava Ukraini! 🌻🇺🇦❤🇺🇦🌻
Evolve Dammit
(16,564 posts)LuckyCharms
(17,236 posts)Mine is unbelievably low, and hers some somewhat high. And she eats better foods than me!
quakerboy
(13,893 posts)At least one person i know did a red cross blood donation, and they were told they will be provided covid antibody tests. Not sure if thats regular or if there was some special circumstance
Orangepeel
(13,932 posts)It said I had antibodies, but not much additional info. I haven't had covid, so they are from the vaccine.
SARS-CoV-2 Semi-Quant Total Ab >2500.0
Antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding
domain (RBD) were detected. It is yet undetermined what level of
antibody to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein correlates to immunity against
developing symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 disease. Studies are underway to
measure the quantitative levels of specific SARS-CoV-2 antibodies
following vaccination. Such studies will provide valuable insights
into the correlation between protection from vaccination and
antibody levels.
LisaL
(44,961 posts)I think?
Orangepeel
(13,932 posts)I meant that they don't know what level of antibodies corresponds to protection, which is what I think Luckycharms is asking about
LuckyCharms
(17,236 posts)they do not guide you as to what the level means in a practical sense.
I looked further into labcorp, and the closest facility that they have is about 50 miles from me. I'm probably not going to pursue more with labcorp if I won't be able to interpret the results.
Thanks for the info!
LisaL
(44,961 posts)NT