- People with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatic or neuroinflammatory diseases, have expressed concern that the COVID-19 vaccines could aggravate their symptoms.
- Health experts widely believe the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks of a potential reaction or flare-up.
- People may need to work with their physician to adjust the timing of their medications around their vaccination.
Many patients with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatic or neuroinflammatory diseases, have expressed concern that the COVID-19 vaccines could aggravate their symptoms or trigger a flare-up.
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) believes the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks of a potential reaction or flare-up, considering how people with chronic conditions face an increased risk of a severe form of COVID-19 and hospitalization.
The ACR recently released recommendations for patients with autoimmune diseases who are concerned about how they may react to the vaccines.
The recommendations explain how certain immunocompromised people may need to work with a doctor who can adjust the timing of their medications to improve the efficacy of the vaccines.
Source: healthline