Jessica’s Vaccine-related Story

This is a personal account of Jessica’s Vaccine-related Story. Jessica completed the Autoimmune Sisters vaccine-related story form and submitted with permission to share.

Jessica’s Vaccine-related Story: I’ve had lupus for 16 years. Generally I’m very pro-vaccine. I’ve used diet, conventional medicine, and holistic approach to treat my condition. The data just doesn’t support this vaccination, though. I wish I hadn’t received the one shot I did, as I’m still struggling with autoimmune issues related to it.

More and more data suggests that countries with high rates of triple vaccination like Israel, have more hospitalizations and worse outcomes. Countries that focused on treatment options like India have had much better outcomes for the population.

After having a very low response to the shot antibody wise, the flare up resulting, and then still contracting the virus, I can’t recommend it to anyone who is on the fence. I wish I had stood my ground to refuse it, but hindsight doesn’t help anyone. I would encourage everyone to do thorough research, compare different countries’ approach, look at a wide variety of studies, and discuss it with multiple doctors. Just looking at practical numbers and vaccination rates now, I can see that getting the shot wasn’t a good idea for me, and will not be following up with a second let alone third shot. I wish I had stood my ground firmly.

Meet Jessica:

Name: Jessica Bennett

Age: 35

Location: Washington State

Occupation:Medical Assistant

Family/Children: Married with one daughter

IG Handle: @Nerdysempstress

Autoimmune Diseases: Lupus

Chronic Viruses: None

Physical Activity/Dietary/Lifestyle Preferences: My diet and activity level is based solely on the habits of my toddler. Most days are fairly clean and active, with occasional ice cream for dinner.

Do you have any of the following COVID “high risk” factors? Comorbidity (the presence of 2 or more diseases in the same person), Heart Disease, Coagulation/Blood Clotting

Are you under the care of a medical doctor? Yes

Did your doctor(s)/provider(s) advise you to get the vaccine? Yes

What kind of doctor(s)/provider(s) do you work with? Explain: Rheumatology, Neurology, Cardiology, and Primary care

What data/evidence did your doctor provide to support you getting the vaccine?: My doctor told me that there was a low risk of flare up with the shot

What information or resources did you use to come to this conclusion on your own?: After having a reaction to the first, I began asking friends and family about their experiences and found many had experienced flares with the shot.

Health Related Questions:

Before receiving the vaccine, please describe your health along with any autoimmune, chronic or related illness symptoms you were experiencing. I have a complicated history with lupus but have been mostly in remission since my pregnancy. I had some skin issues last year, but have otherwise done well since my last major flare in 2016.

What kind of prescribed medications do you currently take?: I’m currently on Plaquenil, Prednisone, a myriad of vitamins, and warfarin.

What kind of vitamins/supplements do you currently take?: Vitamin c, vitamin d, a prenatal multivitamin, a plant based iron supplement, 5-htp, and zinc

Was your autoimmune and any co-viruses in remission at the time you received your vaccine? Yes, I was in remission

Vaccine Related Questions:

Prior to receiving the vaccine, did you already have Covid-19? No

Which vaccine did you receive? Pfizer

How many doses and when did you receive them? One dose, February 9th.

Did you have any adverse reactions to the vaccine? Yes

Describe your adverse reactions to the vaccine. I had lymphadenitis in my neck for almost a month, and then have had joint and skin issues since. Occasionally have recurring lymphadenitis.

Since having the vaccine, have you been tested for Covid-19 antibodies?: Yes

What were the results of your Covid-19 antibody test? Low level, not suggestive of a good immune response.

Since getting the vaccine, have you contracted Covid-19? Yes

Please explain your symptoms and experiences while sick with Covid-19. I had very classic cough, fever, and fatigue. I would liken it to most experiences with bronchitis. I needed my inhaler frequently the first few days, then have slowly recovered. I received a monoclonal antibodies infusion on day 3, which did seem to help lessen the cough severity.

Interested in Sharing Your Autoimmune Sister Story?

Sharing your autoimmune story is the very core of what we believe in at Autoimmune Sisters. We believe in bio-individuality; that every woman is uniquely designed and therefore there is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

In addition to sharing your autoimmune story, we are now accepting submissions for those of you interested in sharing your story and how it relates to the Covid-19 vaccine. Keep reading to learn more!