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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Transitioning Back To Some Normalcy (Covid Vaccines)

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Chicago, IL

Hey everyone! I'd love to have a conversation about transitioning back to life post-vaccination
I'm getting my second dose of the Pfizer vaccine next week, and my boyfriend and I are planning things we'll start doing once we're fully vaccinated. I'm excited but also nervous and overly cautious. I know he will be able to do more with little fear since he has a healthy immune system, but I'm afraid I won't have as much protection. I'm eagerly waiting for more research, but also worried that… read more

April 1, 2021
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Answer Summary

Members navigated the complex emotions of transitioning back to normalcy post-vaccination, sharing fears about having less protection than... Read more

Members navigated the complex emotions of transitioning back to normalcy post-vaccination, sharing fears about having less protection than healthy individuals, frustration at being initially deprioritized for vaccines despite being immunocompromised, and uncertainty about how effective the vaccine would be for people on immune-suppressing medications like methotrexate or Enbrel. Several members shared practical steps they were taking, including getting third booster shots, continuing to mask and social distance regardless of vaccination status, gradually resuming low-risk activities like outdoor dining or haircuts, and testing for antibodies (though many learned antibody tests don't reliably measure actual protection). A recurring theme was balancing the deep desire to hug loved ones and reclaim some quality of life with the sobering reality that immunocompromised individuals may never have clear answers about their protection levels, making ongoing caution through masking, distancing, and vaccination the best available defense.

A myRAteam Member

I do have the same fears and still wear a mask, maintain a safe distance, don't go where it is crowded, wash and sanitize often. I don't feel this is 'overly' cautious, just cautious. There are still people out there that think it is OK to break all the rules and strut around like peacocks during mating season. So tired of the ignorance and denial.

April 28, 2021
A myRAteam Member

Wayne,
There are 2 tests.
S - Spike Protein
C - Cyclonial Protein
To explain these would take pages of description. 🥵
What we’re realizing now is we do not have a sure fire answer! 🥴
Not what anyone wants to hear on this website that is immunosuppressed but I do not want to lose one of you!
Okay? 🥰
Just because you test negative antibodies on both may not mean that you have negative resistance to COVID-19.
So here’s the deal…..
Long story short…..
The truth as we know it today!
Hands 🤗
Face 😷
Space 😶‍🌫️
And get vaccinated anyway!

June 17, 2021
COVID-19 and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Essential Updates Read more >
A myRAteam Member

I completely agree with you!

April 28, 2021
A myRAteam Member

Protection varies between vaccines, though all 3 approved in the US are very effective. But we don't yet know exactly how protected we (us folks with suppressed immune systems) are/will be once vaccinated. Fingers crossed the efficacy rate will still be quite high!

April 19, 2021 (edited)
A myRAteam Member

That a girl Patti!🌹
You are absolutely correct.👏
If you have a side effect it is because your immune system has taken in the blueprint of the mRNA technology or the other vaccines which actual have virus that has been back crossed to not be harmful but yet invokes your immune system to develop the antibodies!

April 10, 2021

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