White Blood Cells

[Scarlett]

Here’s a science question. I have a high white blood cell count- all the time. I am an autoimmune type of person (asthma/eczema/ ulcerative colitis). Should I be concerned about taking the COVID vaccine, in that my system usually overreacts to foreign body ‘invaders’?

[Mamyalynne]

You need to discuss that with the Health Professionals when you get called Scarlett.

[Buenchico]

Pfizer:
https://creakyjoints.org/living-with-arthritis/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines/can-you-get-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-immunocompromised/

Moderna:
https://creakyjoints.org/living-with-arthritis/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines/can-you-get-moderna-covid-19-vaccine-immunocompromised/

[Sqad]

If you have a high white cell count i would suggest that your immune system is working very well.
As far as your ulcerative colitis is concerned that shouldn't affect taking the vaccine.
Asthma, maybe a problem but I doubt it as all vaccination stations and personel are geared for anaphylactic or hypersensitive patient reactions.
You should not have problems in being offered the vaccine.

[jakep]

What is your WBC?
Do you know the percentages of different white cells present?

[Scarlett]

Jakep- 11.7
At last blood test but often around 14ish. Not sure what that means!

[Scarlett]

Thanks all. Sqad- it’s interesting, I wondered if having a foreign body injected into a hypersensitive person might cause inflammation issues/ flare ups of existing auto immune problems.

[Scarlett]

Buen-
“ In the case of the COVID-19 vaccines, there is not a lot that can be definitively said about how people with such medical conditions might react because they were not included”.
There’s my answer! Doesn’t give me much faith.

[Sqad]

Scarlet 11.7 for a WCC is no big deal.
14 ish is a little high but may be due to when your Ulcerative Colitis is " playing up" and 11.7 reflects a satisfactory immune response to that exacerbation.

[Peter Pedant]

Ask someone who knows not us

the answer is no by the way - people who are most vulnerable say O no I cant have a vaccine ! I am too ill/prcious/fragile/brittle

if you are at all worried dont

I can tell you the people with blood cancer ( treated and in remission) cant wait

[Peter Pedant]

I dont regard my immune paresis ( yes there is such a word)(*) as a luxury to be pampered

(*) yes from blood cancer - and not fit for a bone marrow transplant which is a bit of posser if you think about it