Immunomodulators and risk for breakthrough infection after third COVID-19 mRNA vaccine among patients with rheumatoid

Abigail E Schiff1,2, Xiaosong Wang3, Naomi J Patel4,2

  • 1Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA (60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA, 02115).

Abstract

Insights

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on CD20 inhibitors or glucocorticoids face higher COVID-19 risks after three vaccine doses. These findings emphasize the need for targeted risk mitigation strategies for these vulnerable RA patient groups.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients often require immunomodulatory drugs.
  • The effectiveness of mRNA vaccines in RA patients, particularly after a third dose, requires further investigation regarding breakthrough infections.
  • Specific drug classes may influence vaccine response and infection risk.

Conclusions:

  • CD20 inhibitors and glucocorticoid monotherapy are identified as risk factors for breakthrough COVID-19 in RA patients post-third mRNA vaccine dose.
  • This study highlights the real-world impact of diminished immune responses in specific RA patient subgroups.
  • Effective risk mitigation strategies are crucial for RA patients on these immunomodulatory therapies to prevent severe COVID-19 outcomes.

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