Can I take the COVID-19 vaccine if my platelet count is low?
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I was diagnosed with aplastic anemia a few years back, and I underwent ATG treatment. I was on Cyclosporine for three years with slow tapering. Partial remission. At present Hb -11, WBC- 5300 , platelets- 48000. I could not consult a regular doctor because of COVID-19. Can I take the COVID vaccine?
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
If you had COVID-19 infection previously for once, you can get vaccinated after three months of convalescence with only one dose of vaccine. No second dose is needed.
If you had COVID-19 infection twice previously, no vaccine is needed.
If you did not have COVID-19 in the past, you can get vaccinated with 2 to 3 months gap between the two doses of vaccine. The gap depends upon the signs and symptoms after the first dose.
The problem is platelets. Vaccines suppress the bowel movement, and platelet suppression gets critical. Monitor platelets every three days after the doses of the vaccine. Prior to vaccines, a seven days platelet prophylaxis with 25 mg Eltrombopag a day is beneficial in some cases of thrombocytopenia.
I hope it is helpful.
Please write back if there is any query.
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