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How do COVID-19 vaccines affect rheumatic diseases?
Lale Altan1, Salim Mısırcı1, İlker Yağcı2
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine, Bursa, Türkiye.
Archives of Rheumatology
|May 26, 2023
Summary
COVID-19 vaccination in Türkiye is safe for patients with inflammatory rheumatic disease (IRD). Vaccines did not significantly increase disease activity or cause serious side effects, reducing anxiety post-vaccination.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) require careful consideration regarding vaccination safety.
- Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines have been widely administered, necessitating an evaluation of their impact on IRD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effects of COVID-19 vaccines on disease activity in Turkish patients with IRD.
- To evaluate the incidence and nature of side effects following COVID-19 vaccination in this cohort.
- To analyze changes in patient anxiety levels related to vaccination.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 536 patients with IRD in Türkiye were surveyed regarding their COVID-19 vaccination status (CoronaVac, BNT162b2, or both) and experiences.
- Data collected included prior COVID-19 diagnosis, vaccination details, pre- and post-vaccination anxiety levels, side effects, and changes in rheumatic complaints.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare outcomes between vaccine groups and pre/post-vaccination anxiety levels.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in anxiety was observed post-vaccination (p<0.001).
- 52.8% of patients reported side effects, with higher rates in the BNT162b2 and mixed vaccine groups compared to CoronaVac alone.
- Only 8.4% experienced an increase in rheumatic complaints, and no significant increase in disease activity was noted.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 vaccination in patients with IRD in Türkiye appears safe, with no significant increase in disease activity.
- Observed side effects were generally not severe, and vaccination led to reduced anxiety.
- These findings support the use of COVID-19 vaccines in individuals with inflammatory rheumatic diseases.
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