Organ transplant patients are experiencing issues with the COVID-19 vaccine. Here’s why – WFTV Orlando

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. Charlie Fink is alive today from the gift of organ transplant.

But he takes medicine to quiet his immune system so his body wont reject someone elses kidney. And those immunosuppressants impacted the level of protection hes received from the COVID-19 vaccine.

And hes not alone.

READ: See where you can find the COVID-19 vaccine in your county

A John Hopkins Study shows that only 17% of organ transplant patients showed antibodies after the first shot.

Dr. Aftab Khan said hes worried people on immunosuppressants will have a false sense of security from the shot, not realizing the drugs theyre on may interfere with their immune systems ability to create antibodies.

In the John Hopkins study, the number of transplant patients with antibodies improved to 54% after the second shot. But that still means nearly half are left unprotected.

READ: Orange County officials working to fight misinformation to increase COVID-19 vaccinations rates

John Hopkins suggest a third booster shot may be the answer for those patients.

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Organ transplant patients are experiencing issues with the COVID-19 vaccine. Here's why - WFTV Orlando