PITTSBURGH — UPMC announced the results of two studies involving COVID-19 vaccines Friday morning.
One of those studies focused on cancer patients and found that depending on the type of cancer, the vaccine isn’t working. The study detailed that people with cancer that affects the blood, bone marrow or lymph nodes are at an elevated risk of COVID-19 vaccine failure.
“Our findings about this group of patients aren’t necessarily surprising, particularly since we know their immune systems are compromised. It does, however, remind us that vigilance and caution are necessary,” said Dr. Ghady Haidar, UPMC Transplant Infectious Diseases Physician and Assistant Professor at Pitt’s School of Medicine. “All should get vaccinated and continue wearing masks and practicing social distancing, even after vaccination, especially those with these cancers. Those around them should do the same.”
Haidar also cautioned that a negative antibody test does not necessarily mean that the patient lacks protection from the virus.
The other study involved elderly residents of long-term care facilities, which found that the vaccines are working for them. They found that all 70 residents who were tested had detectible antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.
Next week, UPMC will hold a drive-through vaccination clinic with the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
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