WASHINGTON — More than 56 percent of Americans 12 years old and up are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the CDC. However, the vaccine may not be as effective for some taking certain medications that suppress the immune system.

“It’s a little frustrating, I’m a little disappointed that it happened,” said Rosita Bailey, who said she and her entire household tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday. 

Bailey, 51, who resides in Clermont, Fla., said she has been taking many precautions, but always knew it was possible she could still be infected after being vaccinated in the spring.

“They say your immune system weakens because you’re taking all of these different medications, and on top of it all I have rheumatoid arthritis,” Bailey explained. "I’m feeling a lot better than I did three days ago, I still have to take it easy.”

Bailey’s physician, Dr. Aftab Khan, said she takes a methotrexate, a medication known to suppress immune response and inflammation.

He said other immunocompromised patients taking similar medications like oral steroids may also compromise the vaccine’s effectiveness. 

“Whether you’re vaccinated or unvaccinated, the people who are immunosuppressed, it is a very dangerous situation for them,” said Dr. Khan, who practices internal medicine at Davenport Medical Center in Florida. 

Dr. Khan said sometimes prescribing these kinds of medications are absolutely necessary - but it’s important for patients to understand the risks.

“If somebody has exacerbation of COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), Asthma, or Rheumatoid Arthritis, one thing that works is steroids," he explained.

"But, if you’re going to prescribe someone steroids, you have to tell them and you have to warn them that they can lower your immune system and you have to take extra precautions.” 

Scientists still don’t have a full picture on how these drugs affect the vaccine’s effectiveness, but the evidence is growing. 

New Research from Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests booster doses should be investigated for those who are immunocompromised.

A national study from Michigan Medicine found nearly 3 percent of U.S. adults under 65 take medications that weaken their immune systems. 

“The nurse at the hospital told me, 'I’m glad you did get the vaccine because your symptoms could have been worse,” Bailey explained.

As for Bailey, she said she will still encourage others to get the vaccine, even after testing positive.

“After this experience, I will tell anybody, if you have a compromised immune system, even if you don’t, taking the vaccine, I feel is beneficial. Here I am, I got COVID, but I didn’t get hospitalized.”