Question
Can a vaccine boost my CD4 count?
29 November 2021. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Living with HIV long-term.
Hello. I have a CD4 count = 600, undetectable viremia for almost 10 years. After I got the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, my antibodies after 21 days are 88 u/ml, very few. After the administration of the vaccine, the lymphocytes% is 43.9% (a month before the vaccine I had 26.6%).
My question is:
1. Is it possible for the vaccine to boost immunity, even if it did not produce enough antibodies?
2. Is it possible for viremia to remain undetectable for another 10-15 years with the same treatment schedule?
Thank you!
Answer
Hi there, how are you doing?
It is excellent news to hear that you have been undetectable for so long. As long as you maintain your treatment regimen as you are no, you are likely to remain undetectable for the next 10 years and probably longer. Regular checks with your doctor of your viral load will help keep track of your viral load. A viral load of 88 is still undetectable as it has remained under 200. It may just be considered a blip, for which you can find more information here.
As for the vaccine boosting your CD4 count, the vaccine will not have an effect on your CD4 levels. A vaccine stimulates B cells which are not a type of CD4. B cells are part of your acquired immunity. A CD4 cell is a cell that is used in your innate immunity and will not be effected by a vaccine. CD4 levels are not stable, they can change in response to a number of things, even exercise. The CD4 count you have is excellent and can be considered equal to someone HIV negative. Your level of CD4 demonstrates how well you are managing HIV.
If you have another question please ask,
Josh.
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