Triangle patients and docs weigh benefits of third COVID shot for people with immune system problems

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- There's new questions about whether people with immune system problems should get a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. France is vaccinating people a third time if their bodies have a harder time creating COVID antibodies. But there's isn't a big discussion or national study about it in the U.S. - raising concerns some among patients in the Triangle.

Kris Bengston has come a long way from his first appearance on ABC11. In 2018, the Johnston County craft beer brewer had just been diagnosed with an aggressive throat cancer; emergency surgeries; and an outpouring of support from local beer brewers to help Bengston's family and business survive the crisis.
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"I'm doing really well," Bengston told ABC 11 Wednesday. "And my oncologist used the word 'cured' which is very rare for them to say."

While he's been cancer-free for nearly four years, the chemotherapy and radiation did a number on Bengston's immune system. Back in April, France announced it would give third shots of the two-dose COVID-19 vaccine to cancer patients and others with immune system problems; immunocompromised patients whose bodies didn't respond well enough to the first two doses.

A new French study of organ transplant recipients producing COVID antibodies increased from 40% after the second dose to 68% after a third dose of the vaccine.

Bengston and his wife Dana, both double-vaccinated since March, are now wondering if Kris needs a third.



"There's a lot of people going through cancer treatments, dialysis and organ transplants and people having to take drugs that suppress their immune system," Dana said. "We've got France already doing a third dose. And we haven't heard anything about it here."


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UNC-Chapel Hill infectious disease doctor, David Wohl, telling ABC 11 that it's important to remember the vaccine triggers other COVID-fighting functions, not just antibodies. Wohl is not ready to back a third COVID shot.

"I'd like to see a little more data so we understand the proportion of people who do get re-vaccinated who didn't mount an initial response that subsequently mount a response that's respectable," Wohl said. "The good news is a lot of people who survive cancer and a lot of older people at extremes of age are people who we find do mount a really good response and we do find antibodies."

Back at the Bengstons - Kris is discussing getting an antibody test with his doctors.

"So, I brought it up and he basically said that if I wanted a test for antibodies done, I could," Bengston said. "But as far as (my doctor) was concerned, I was not considered immunocompromised anymore."



With a telling smile, Dana replied, "I would feel better if he got tested. We'll talk about it."

Still cancer-free and trying to keep COVID away too.