By: Linda Wilhelm 

In March 2020, life as we knew it for those of us who are immunocompromised was forever changed. Covid 19 spread fear and anxiety throughout our community. A vaccine for this new virus was still a year away. History has demonstrated that people who are  immunocompromised experience worse outcomes when they contract Covid 19; our fears were justified. In the roll out of the vaccines, we were given conflicting information and shifting populations for priority vaccination caused much confusion with patients and health care providers alike. 

Getting Vaccinated – and Managing Flares

Like so many others, I was anxious to get a vaccine that could help protect me. I nervously received my first vaccine on March 22 2021, Pfizer’s mRna and like so many, spent a restless night with a mild reaction. The next 2 weeks I had a minor disease flare but then things settled. All in all, this was a fair trade off to have some protection and  to hopefully avoid hospitalization or worse. I received the 2nd dose, also mRNA on June 1, 2021. Another restless night but this time a disease flare of six weeks. So Ok – more protection from a deadly virus, maybe a six week flare was worth it? 

Then in October 2021 came shot number three! This one caused a three month disease flare. Now the vaccine decision becomes a bit more complicated. My RA has never been easily managed. Should I take shot number 4? In 2022 and 2023 I had three additional mRNA boosters, with each one experienced worsening disease flares.

When The Risks Become Real

I did not receive a fall booster in 2023 and in November I tested positive for Covid 19. Fortunately I was able to access Paxlovid but still became very sick for two months. It was a horrible winter as I also contracted Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in January 2024and became sick for another two months.

Why Vaccine Choice and Access Matter

A colleague and friend told me about a non mRNA Covid 19 vaccine called Nuvaxovid. I had never heard of it and this vaccine is protein based. For decades, I received the protein based influenza vaccine with only mild side effects and no disease flares. It was a challenge to find any one, including public health, that knew anything about Nuvaxovid. After two months of phoning pharmacies and public health, I finally found a pharmacy forty-five minutes from my home that had Nuvaxovid. I made an appointment and on April 12, 2024 I received the protein based vaccine with just some mild side effects.

Protected again, with no flare. I went on with my life until I needed another booster. Nuvaxovid was not available in 2025. Not wanting to experience Covid 19 again and a conference to attend  I did receive another Pfizer mRNAand experienced another less severe flare. 

For the 2026 respiratory season, Nuvaxovid will once again be available for patients who have had issues with mRNA or for whatever reason simply choose to receive a protein based vaccine. To be on the safe side, I will be looking to access Nuvaxovid. Fingers crossed I won’t have to spend months trying to find a location to access it and that governments will do some awareness about its availability!