Kuwait Recommendations on Vaccine Use in People with Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) face heightened infection risks.
• Existing European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) vaccination guidelines from 2011 require updates.
• Global recommendations may not address regional patient needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt and update EULAR vaccination recommendations for IRD patients.
• To incorporate new therapeutic agents, including targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (tsDMARDs).
• To consider the specific demographic and health needs of the Gulf region population.

Main Methods:

• Clinical experience and expert opinion were utilized.
• Original EULAR recommendations were reviewed and modified.
• New vaccines and immunomodulatory agents approved since 2011 were considered.

Main Results:

• Sixteen tailored recommendations were developed.
• Recommendations cover general vaccination, specific pathogens, patient subgroups, and travel advice.
• The updated guidelines address contemporary treatments and regional considerations.

Conclusions:

• Updated vaccination strategies are crucial for IRD patients.
• Tailored recommendations enhance infection prevention in diverse populations.
• These guidelines support optimal patient management in the Gulf region and beyond.