Question:
I had my third Moderna injection one-month ago and realized an increase in my antibodies from 525 to > 2500. How would you feel about my going to a show in an entertainment venue where masks are mandatory and you have to show proof of being vaccinated or a negative test from a doctor within 72 hours of the event? (I live in Florida.)
Answer: We are so excited to hear about your robust response to the booster!
As you know, this is not a risk-free situation. That being said, we completely understand the frustration with having been isolated for so long now. We encourage people to weigh all of the risks and then after being fully educated on those risks, make the decision that is right for them personally. We provided a risk assessment tool a while back and reminded those with CLL to act as if they are unvaccinated (so look at the column on the left): https://cllsociety.org/2021/04/cdc-graphic-guidance-on-safer-activities-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-how-it-applies-to-cll-patients/
Considering whether or not this is an indoor or outdoor venue is going to be of huge consideration. Also, you are in Florida where the numbers are still extremely high. So regardless of vaccination and testing 3 days prior, there is still a 100% chance someone (or multiple) people in the venue will have COVID. So, you have to ask yourself if that is a risk you are willing to take or not. Also, do you have access to a certified N-95 mask? As you also know very well by now, surgical or cloth masks are great for keeping respiratory droplets of others off of you. But they do not completely protect you from the Delta variant. Only a well-fitted N-95 mask can help to do that.
All of that to say, while we understand the desire to get out and about in society again, this is a very personal decision that only you alone can make for yourself. And regardless of your decision, please make sure you and your family have a plan in place. You can find the Action Plan that we put together to help our community be prepared just in case here: https://cllsociety.org/2021/07/covid-19-plan-checklists-for-chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia-cll-preparing-for-pre-and-post-covid-19-exposure/
