FAQs about systemic autoimmune diseases

Although it is difficult to generalise, people with systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD) are considered to be at increased risk of severe forms of disease and mortality due to COVID-19. On the one hand, the risk factors associated with greater severity are the same as those of the general population, such as being over 65, male, having high blood pressure, heart disease and chronic lung or kidney disease.

On the other hand, certain factors inherent to SAD may contribute to increased severity and mortality of COVID-19 amongst these patients, such as moderate to high disease activity, treatment with more than 10 mg/day of prednisone, or therapy with rituximab.

Yes, you can. None of the available vaccines contain live attenuated virus.

No. There are no comparative vaccine studies in people with systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD). Therefore, efficacy is expected to be similar to that observed in the general population.

Due to both the design of the vaccine and the way it generates antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, it is highly unlikely that administration of the vaccine will cause a flare of systemic autoimmune disease (SAD). Having a SAD does not imply a higher risk of experiencing a serious adverse effect.

All scientific societies consider COVID-19 vaccines to be safe, and the benefits of vaccination outweigh the possibility of any potential serious adverse effects which, in any case, are very rare even in people who do not have an SAD.

In general, all scientific societies are in agreement that treatment should not be stopped, as the risk of a flare-up is high.

The argument in favour of doing so would be that the immunosuppressive treatment itself might decrease or hinder the generation of antibodies SARS-CoV-2. However, there is consensus that it is preferable to generate a lower antibody response than no antibody response at all.

As with other recommended vaccines, such as influenza or pneumococcal vaccines, individuals with systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD) are advised to receive the vaccine when their disease is inactive or stable.

In other words, if you are experiencing a flare, it is best to treat it and delay administration of the vaccine.

Your autoimmune disease specialist is the person who best understands your case, your progress and your treatment, and can advise you on the best time to receive the vaccine.