Orange County

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

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 won’t reject someone else’s kidney. And those immunosuppressants impacted the level of protection he’s received from the COVID-19 vaccine.

And he’s 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 he’s worried people on immunosuppressants will have a false sense of security from the shot, not realizing the drugs they’re on may interfere with their immune system’s 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.

Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.