Question

Can I test to find out if the COVID-19 vaccines worked for me?

9 July 2021. Related: All topics, COVID-19.

Hi

I have had two doses of the Oxford/Astra Zeneca vaccines. Am I safe now? Can I check if they worked and if I am protected?

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Hi

Thanks – great question.

Currently, you cannot test to see if the vaccines worked.

Testing is included in some research studies, but even then you might not be given you personal responses. More importantly, the researchers do not know how to interpret the results.

This is because the cut-off levels needed for protection are not known.

Also, antibody tests for infection will not work to check responses to vaccines. This is because antibodies after infection are different to antibodies after a vaccine.

Until individual testing becomes available, it is good to be careful.