Vaccination & Rheumatic Diseases
Patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases are at increased risk of infections. This increased risk is not only a result of the aberrant immunologic reaction itself but also can be attributed to the immunosuppressive therapy required to control the activity of the underlying disease and the associated organ complications. One of the most effective strategies to prevent infection is vaccination.
Patients on prednisone or on immunosuppressive can receive any of the inactivated vaccines. They can receive these vaccinations without an increased chance of flaring their underlying disease. Howerver, their protective antibody titers following vaccination may be blunted as a result of being on immunosuppressive medications (especially prednisone)
Web:
Nature Reviews: Vaccination of patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases
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