COVID-19 FAQ #30: Should myeloma patients check their COVID-19 antibody levels post vaccination?

This week’s “Ask Dr. Durie” is a very timely  question from a patient who wants to know: “Is it worthwhile for me to check the antibody levels in  my blood after getting the COVID-19 vaccination?” Now, this is a test which is not available for  every patient but there are definitely centers across the country where this type of antibody  testing can be done to get testing for example, two to three weeks after the second dose of the  vaccine. This is something very reasonable to check. As we know

, because of the disease and the  ongoing treatment, myeloma patients may not get the full antibody response to the COVID-19  vaccine. And so, it is reasonable to check and see what are the levels of the antibodies to see  are they at a really good level? Or, perhaps, at a reduced level, maybe at about a half level,  which might be achieved in a normal person. So, to be aware, even those lower levels do provide  significant protection. But it is worthwhile to know if the antibody levels are rela

tively low.  I think that, at the present time, it important because normal protections should continue. If  your antibody levels are low, you should continue to wear your mask and be cautious whenever you  venture out into community settings. The BOTTOM LINE here is if you have it available to you,  please go ahead and get your antibody levels checked and see what the status is. Coordinate it  with your doctor. But the main thing for me is to be sure that no matter what you should take  the pre

cautions that you need. Particularly, continuing to wear a mask at the present time  when you are meeting individuals. Particularly younger people right now, who may be more likely  to be infected when you are in community settings.