Vaccination against COVID-19: Expectations and concerns of patients with autoimmune and rheumatic diseases

Antibody response to a single dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases

“…Nearly half of the patients with RMD have expressed hesitancy or unwillingness to receive a SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine due to a paucity of data 6 ; however, this report can provide reassurance to patients and their providers. We did, however, observe that certain lymphocyte-modulating therapies were associated with poorer humoral vaccine response; potential exploratory strategies to increase immunogenicity in this subgroup may involve adjustment in immunomodulatory therapy, dosage or timing around vaccination.…”

Safety of the first dose of mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases

“…1 Concerns relating to the side effect profile of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines have been identified as a primary concern of patients resulting in vaccine hesitancy. 2 To assess tolerability and peri-vaccination reactogenicity in this patient population, we studied a sample of patients with RMD on immunomodulatory therapy who underwent early vaccination.…”

Correspondence on ‘EULAR December 2020 viewpoints on SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with RMDs’

“…As real-world experience accumulates, it is not surprising that the spontaneous acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination found here is higher compared with previous studies. [5][6][7][8] However, active involvement of rheumatologists may further engage hesitant patients, allowing coverage of nearly 90% of those receiving several immunomodulatory drugs in combination. In this perspective, the constitution of dedicated task forces, such as those promoted by EULAR 1 as well as by other national and international societies, 9 10 is fundamental to assist rheumatology providers with updated guidelines on the optimal use of COVID-19 vaccines for patients with RMD.…”

“…A number of independent surveys have however alarmingly reported that, among patients with RMD, potential acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines may not exceed 60%, without apparent differences in relation to specific diseases, comorbidities and type of medication. [5][6][7][8] Strategies to effectively engage high-risk patients with RMD into vaccination programmes are therefore urgently needed.…”