Sine my mRNA is messed up. I have genetic ataxia SCA2. The vaccine uses mRNA as a delivery method. How will the vaccine effect me and will it be affective?
1 Like
No one really knows much so a positive answer isnāt in the cards. The way I look at it is it appears to be much worse having the virus.
AtaxiaUK are going to post advice shortly.
The answer
And I couldnāt agree more. We donāt know. Under ānormalā circumstances a new vaccine takes years to develop and then years to test, to find āsafety parametersā and contradictions, then be placed into production and then be made publicly available. Often this whole process can take 10+years Yet here we are with a vaccine after 12-18months. All of the production has occurred and it is becoming available. So which process has been shortened ? The āsafety parametersā and contradictionsā part.
For some people there are going to be negatives. What are they? Nobody knows.
People with other conditions are always more at risk, due to comorbidities or other contributing factors. But presently, nobody really knows. There are a few differing vaccines under development but nobodyās really sure what the full list of āsafety parametersā and contradictionsā are of any of them. There has been a couple of trials around the world that have shown negative outcomes in the short trial period theyāve already had. Those trials have already been ceased. But nobody has any idea of the longevity of the vaccineās protection, nor itās impact. So how you, me or any other individual reacts to a particular vaccine is going to be very individual.
Merl from the Modsupport Team
1 Like
I canāt tell you how the vaccine will affect you, or whether in general it will be effective. However I can assure you that the fact it is an mRNA vaccine isnāt an issue for people with genetic conditions. As the comic strip above describes, the mRNA mentioned is the mRNA of the virus. The vaccine still works in the usual way - by provoking an immune response- not by interacting with human mRNA or DNA.
Unless you have a history of severe allergic reactions (epipen level), or in one of the other groups where itās not recommended (eg pregnant women), then you will want to be weighing up the risk of feeling a bit under the weather for a day or two (ma standard vaccine response showing your immune system is working) with the risks of serious respiratory disease, long covid, or death.
When I can, Iāll be getting the vaccine.
2 Likes
thank you this was helpful
Thank you all who answered this question. I have SCA 1 and have tried very hard to research an answer re the vaccine to no avail. Also, my problem is that back in March I was quite ill with a sore throat, temp, dizzyness slight cough, etc, and wonder if I did, in fact, have the virus. A friend had the same thing at the same time. Now Iām so unsure whether to get the vaccine. Who knows! And Iām a nurse!!
Adnyl
This is my understanding. You may have had covid-19 prior and you probably now have antibodies in your body but nobody knows how long those antibodies will last. However everyone should get the vaccine because if there is going to be any sort of herd immunity that is exactly what must be done.
To my understanding, antibodies in the system lasts only for 90 days.
I heard something similar.
FYI, got my vaccine shot today. Appointment for 2 13 for second booster shot. Pfizer.
1 Like
Antibodies can actually last significantly longer than 90 days. So why is that the number being used? The CDC and WHO canāt guarantee that they do. Thereās simply not enough information. Anecdotally, I know some people who were sick in the spring and still have antibodies.
Sharon from ModSupport.
That may be very true Sharon about antibodies from recovering from the virus lasting longer but all I know is that antibodies from the vaccine do last and that works for me. Iāll do whatever because I am sick of being sick and not from the virus.
Wow Chas, that was fast! Lucky you! Personally, I donāt care whether I get the Pfizer or the Moderna vax: I just want it, and thereās no sign of that show coming to our neck of the woods anytime soon.
As for āhow longā and āherd immunityā and antibodies, I donāt think anybody really knows for sure. Itās frustrating, and I know a lot of people who are being driven nuts by the uncertainty and what appears to be experts constantly changing their minds. But every day brings new experiences and more data for the number crunchers, and new understandings for all of us. Itās an interesting time, thatās for sure. Isnāt there a Chinese curse about interesting times? 
Seenie
I looked at it this way. My best friend died from COVID-19 recently. He had NO underlying conditions but he literally suffered in the hospital. His heart finally just gave out from the virus. As for me, I would rather gamble on the vaccine because it just might be the answer. Seems like the only way to go.
Seenie,
I was very lucky to get the vaccine. I should play the lottery. President Biden just signed something about COVID-19 and the vaccine that should help you out. I have to think thatās what I heard. He just rejoined WHO.
.Biden rejoins World Health Organization: What it means for US, COVID
We are living in interesting times, and generally speaking, more people seem to be speaking out these days and questioning factsā¦The thing that Iām most irritated by is ā¦ people who keep asking when thereāll be a return to normal, when will this be over. Obviously this must be at the forefront of everyones mind, but if only it wasnāt constantly publicised 
I googled the Chinese curse re interesting timesā¦the results were interesting
I donāt think there will ever be a return to "normal " life.
This virus will be around all the time, like the flu virus. I think we will probably need annual jabs as it changes its course. Unless they come up with a super vaccine that will prevent any mutation. I canāt wait to get my jab, whenever that will be. Jan
1 Like
My feeling exactly, Chas. Iāll take my chances with the vax. When I said that to my rheumatologist, she agreed, and (despite the fact that our government advice is for people with immunocompromises to wait for more data) she will give me a permission letter to make sure I can get it when my turn comes.
So sorry about your friendās passing. So many people recover, but the ones who donāt suffer terribly (and use up valuable ICU space) and if they survive, are often left with damage. Iāll take the vaccine!
S
LOL I will too then, Beryl.
A few minutes later:
What an interesting google! It seems the origins are more British than Chinese. But thatās OK: itās still a good expression.
@banana said:
I donāt think there will ever be a return to "normal " life.
Iām inclined to agree. Major world events shape our lives and the world around us. Iām sure people during any of the world wars said the same. I guess this is just a war of a different kind.
S
From what I keep hearing, even though someone recovers from the virus, they might keep experiencing long term effects.
1 Like
Yes, what Iām hearing is the same. And some of the aftereffects are terrible.
Hang in there, Chas!
C
1 Like