Has anyone had the Covid vaccine yet who currently has an LVAD

I had my first dose a week ago today (Pfizer). Nothing unusual to report. Slight soreness. I have had my Heartmate II for almost ten and a half years. Second shot will be on 1 FEB. My cardiologist and VAD coordinator were sick for one day after their second shot with flu like symptoms. I expect the same, but maybe not. The LVAD, in my opinion, is not an issue but other issues but other conditions may be. Not worried.

My wife and I got our first dose on 1/10/21. Sore arm for a couple of days like after a flu shot, but no other side effects. I now get a text from V-Safe regularly to report any symptoms. Nothing to report. I’m 77, got my HeartMate 3 in Dec 2018. The nurse asked if I as on prescription blood thinners, and of course, I am. But the only consequence was she applied pressure to the injection site for a few minutes before applying the band-aid. My LVAD team said their second doses were a bit more uncomfortable, with flu or cold like symptoms for a day or so afterwards. I’m very grateful to have gotten the first one and look forward to  the next. We’ll still need to follow the 3W protocol, but will feel safer. 

My husband & I get ours tomorrow 1/19

My husband and I got ours on Jan. 13.  No problem except a bit of a sore arm.  I hope you can get yours soon.  We are from Oregon and now we are worried we can't get the second dose as they are reporting not having enough vaccines.  

These comments mean so much!

Gmorning my husband had his lvad implanted 7/1/20 and is doing well after some (hicupps) as they called it in Tampa generalhisp. Can't thank that team enough for all their support thru this awful covid time. My husband received his covid 1st shot 1-4-21 and has no issues except for a sore arm for a couple days.  We did clear it with his cardiologist in Tampa that it was ok for him to receive the shot as we live in ft myers. Good luck!!!

Barbara C.

Looks like we have to wait since we are under 65. Scary when you hear they are running out constantly.  Did you get your vaccines at hospitals or vaccine centers.  It would be great if the LVAD medical teams were distributing and /or giving us information on this.

Does our Lvad team schedule these vaccines for you?  Also did you all go to your cardiologist to approve the vaccine for you?

I am also participating in the Pfizer study where I am. After the first dose, I just had soreness and maybe a headache. I got the second dose late yesterday afternoon and woke up achy, shivering, feverish, disoriented, nauseous, and I feel better today but I'm still pretty out of it. Before that, since the Covid hit I was taking Zinc lozenges I hate to take that but only to strength my immunity. 

Didn’t even check with my team. Had my first dose this morning at the VA. Scheduled for 2nd on 2/23.

I know we don’t have a lot of information on any adverse events so keep us updated!   It sounds like your all doing well!  I’m still reading and waiting until it’s our turn.  

My wife and I had our second dose two days ago and have had zero adverse reaction or after effects. However we both took two Tylenol tabs before the shots and continued every four hours afterward for one day. It seemed to work great but have some concern that the "before" doses may serve to weaked the effectiveness of the vaccine. Am not able so far to find a clear answer on this, only opinions but no data. I understand that NASIDS should be avoided but acetaminophen is OK. It's my opinion that we should all get the shots subject to the agreement of your VAD team or other qualified providers. Please do not go just by what I say. 

Finally he will be going! It’s been a long wait! How are all of you doing since your vaccine!  Have you been able to see family!  Any new advice since your last posts.  They help I even tell my kids and family what you write.. so I’m listening 

My colleagues and are actually very interested in the LVAD population's thoughts on the COVID vaccine! If you would like to participate in a quick survey about this (and earn $5!), go to https://allocate.monster/YDJSWLAR. This is open to patients and caregivers. Thanks, everyone :) 

Hey everyone, here's an updated link to take the survey about COVID-19 for LVAD patients and caregivers: https://allocate.monster/TJYQTMYJ. 

I’ll keep you updated! It went pretty quick.  It was not crowded at all.  

My husband has the Heart Mate III and doesn't plan on getting the vaccine. I also won't be taking the vaccine.

I have been encouraged by my LVAD team to get the vaccine.  They have lost several LVAD patients who have not had the shots.  My wife and I get our 2nd shot this April 1, 2021.  Not an April Fools joke....

I have to say I was nervous to take him!! It was a large convention center.  Very organized and FEMA was everywhere to help. 
It was not crowded at all.  They helped us schedule the next appointment before we left.

He seems fine!   Just a hurt arm this morning! I’ll keep you all updated.  

Ok so we are going for our second vaccine soon.  My husband has the heart mate 3.  Did you have any symptoms with the second dose and what did you take for it

My research team at Baylor College of Medicine is still sending out our survey to learn about the LVAD community's thoughts about COVID and the COVID vaccines! LVAD patients and caregivers who take the survey will receive a $5 virtual gift card, and it only takes 5-10 minutes.

Click here to take the survey: https://bit.ly/2QlgCGi. 

Let me know if you have any questions by emailing me at lauren.schoen@bcm.edu. 

My husband had LVAD surgery in Dec ‘20. He had 1st Pfizer shot in Jan (absolutely no side effects) & 2nd in Feb (sore arm and he felt under par for 24 hours, but fine after). All good since and it is a great relief to know he’s had the vaccine. 

Yes I had it everything went well but everyone body is different, but it good to go had and have it 

My husband has both both shot and did not have any site affect. But I was super sick with second shot maderna