Covid vaccines
Im UK based and I know things are a little different in the US, but have any of you had spike tests to check the effectiveness of your covid vaccine? Particularly those of you receiving Rituximab.
I've had 6 vaccines, 2 each of the 3 licensed here in the UK, but still I've no antibodies to covid.
They say it's down to my RA treatment, I'm on Rituximab, which also helps with my kidney and lung problems. Hence I'm loathed to stop Rituximab.
I had my antibodies tested and for me personally, after my second booster I had antibodies for the COVID virus, so I was protected in some fashion. I ended up getting COVID over the holidays nonetheless! I was on Rituximab both for RA and cancer, so I had a double dose. Hope that helps! Keep on keepin' on, DPM I was hoping to be able to be given Evusheld, sadly the UK government decided this drug wouldn't be made available on the NHS, despite the fact almost 1million patients would benefit. 
Apparently, Evusheld is not efficient against the current Covid strains. What a shame! I did receive it last Spring and Fall and was grateful for the extra protection. But, the FDA no longer authorizes it's use.
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-announces-evusheld-not-currently-authorized-emergency-use-us
I am on Ruxience, a Rituxan biosimilar. In addition to Evusheld, I am fully immunized. I did get Covid in July 2022. I was diagnosed early and recieved Monoclonal antiboidies. My infection was fairly mild. In fact, I got sicker with non-Covid Bronchitis this past December. I was very frightened that my Ruxience use would make my Covid much worse and very thankful it didn't!
It appears the current strains do not cause as serious of illness. That said, those of us on immunosuppressants still have reason to worry. I hope you stay Covid free Best Wishes, Jo
Hi
. I'm only aware of two types of test for COVID anitbodies. The nucleocapsid protein test identifies antibodies in those who have had COVID infection, but it doesn't identify antibodies from the vaccine. The spike protein test identifies antibodies from the vaccines (see: https://www.healthchoiceaz.com/wp-content/uploads/mdocs/25829_L23586_Update%20_%20COVID_19AntibodyTestingOptionsFlyer_FINAL.pdf). Unfortunately, rituximab seems to be the treatment presenting the most difficulties when it comes to developing COVID antibodies (see: https://www.jrheum.org/content/49/6/644). I know of individuals on rituximab who did develop antibodies and others, like you, who where boosted repeatedly and did not show antibodies. Your doctor may be able to work with you to develop a plan to protect you as best as possible, such as through Evusheld. Our contributor Lisa, who had similar antibody issues due to rituximab, wrote about this therapy and her experience with it here: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/evusheld. Hoping this information can be helpful. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team) Hi
. I have to say I was surprised at first when I saw you say Evusheld wasn't approved in the U.K. because I remember it being approved last year (see this press notice from last March: https://www.bmj.com/content/376/bmj.o722). Then I found this article from August on the government backtracking and saying it would not purchase Evusheld: https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/uk-wont-purchase-astrazenecas-evusheld-citing-insufficient-data. I also found this article that it was announce on October 19 that it would be available for private sale (see: https://www.kidneycareuk.org/coronavirus-hub/evusheld-and-preventative-covid-19-treatments/#:~:text=The%20Government%20announced%20on%2012,purchase%20privately%20in%20the%20UK.) I'm guessing this may be the route your doctors are trying. I wonder if there is a shortage on this front due to pent up demand and hopefully your doctors can find it soon. Wishing you the best. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team) there's no shortage. The cost privately is approx £5000.00 per year, which as a disabled person living on disability is way beyond my means sadly.
as Jo reported Evusheld was voluntarily removed from the market in January 2023 in the US because it was rapidly losing effectiveness for the most common virus.
I was in the office to get the shot when my hospital system announced I could not have it. 10 more minutes, I would have made it.
I use Ritunmab and have had 9 covid vaccinations and boosters. I finally went and took a T cell test that showed resistance to the current virus.
