‘We feel left behind’
Immunocompromised people at risk of virus breakthrough cases
‘We had the same hopes and expectations as everyone else about returning to normal, but so far we’re unprotected and at risk even if we’re fully vaccinated.’
JOHN NUCCI
As life begins to return to normal, there’s still a huge group of people who are unable to enjoy pre-pandemic activities and are continuing to wear masks and shy away from others.
Immunocompromised individuals after being fully vaccinated against the coronavirus remain at a significantly higher risk for contracting COVID, which could lead to a breakthrough infection that may turn severe.
As a result, those who are immunocompromised — representing a population of several million Americans — are taking the same precautions as before they received the vaccine.
“The message we’re receiving is to get vaccinated, but to take the precautions as if we’re not vaccinated,” John Nucci, a former Boston city councilor who received a kidney transplant three years ago, told the Herald.
“It’s good advice right now, but we feel left behind,” he said. “We had the same hopes and expectations as everyone else about returning to normal, but so far we’re unprotected and at risk even if we’re fully vaccinated. It’s frustrating and disappointing.”
There have been about 4,000 breakthrough cases in Massachusetts, and studies show that transplant recipients are at higher risk for contracting a severe breakthrough infection.
Nucci — who is senior vice president for external affairs at Suffolk University — has to take anti-rejection drugs for his organ transplant, which leaves him immunosuppressed.
He received both Pfizer shots several months ago, but he’s still wearing a mask and continues to stay away from groups.
“I still haven’t been to a restaurant in over a year,” Nucci said. “I stay away from crowds, which I don’t mind doing, but transplant patients want to see some movement on getting toward a solution.
“Whatever the solution is, we’re all holding our breath hoping it comes soon,” he added.
Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers recently said a study suggests booster doses should be investigated for those who are immunocompromised. There’s evidence that three doses increase antibody levels against the virus more than the standard two-dose regimen for people who have received solid organ transplants.
“Our findings suggest clinical trials are warranted to determine if transplant recipients should receive COVID-19 vaccine booster doses as standard clinical practice, similar to what is currently done with hepatitis B and influenza vaccinations for this population,” said study lead author William Werbel, an infectious diseases research fellow at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
One-third of the participants who had negative antibody levels and all who had low positive levels before the booster increased their immune response after a third dose.
Israel is now administering a third dose to those who are immunocompromised.
Nucci’s son is getting married in April, and he hopes there’s a solution by then.
“I hope we can see a light at the end of the tunnel soon,” he added. “People are understandably overjoyed that things are returning back to normal, and those of us who have transplants would love to join in on that celebration.”