The world is opening back up. Although we may have been moved near the front of the line to be vaccinated, those of us with CLL even after being vaccinated are going to be among the last to join the celebratory parades, concerts, restaurants, and even intimate dinners at home with others who have also been vaccinated.
We know that’s because our compromised immunity can impair our response to the vaccine. Therefore, our degree of protection post-vaccination has proven to be less certain.
But friends and family may not get that. We have been asked by some CLL patients if the CLL Society could write up something that could help explain our dilemma.
We hope this one-page “official statement” will clarify why we are not being foolishly stubborn when we remain hesitant about giving up our masking, social distancing, and handwashing. Even when everyone else seems more than ready to get back to normal.
Click the button below to access our PDF that outlines our present circumstances, and share with family and friends why there is a different significance for the vaccinated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) population.
Here is our commentary that has been written with CLL patients and caregivers in mind: Interim Public Health Recommendations for People Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19: What They Mean for the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Population.
The future is uncertain. The only thing that I can guarantee is that all of this will change, likely soon, and likely for the better. We promise to keep our guidance up-to-date.
Stay strong. We are all in this together.
Brian Koffman MDCM (retired) MS Ed
Co-Founder, Executive VP and Chief Medical Officer
CLL Society, Inc.
