Improving Vaccination Coverage among Rheumatic Disease Patients by Overcoming Existing Barriers

Rheumatic disease patients tend to have a high burden of infectious diseases, including opportunistic infections, compared with the general population. The extent of vaccination coverage, namely influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, among rheumatic disease patients varies across different populations and regions based on multiple factors. We have failed to capitalize on key opportunities, namely during diagnosis, before initiation of immunosuppressive therapy, during routine follow-up visits, and upon hospitalization, to improve vaccination coverage among rheumatic disease patients. Given the rising burden of rheumatic diseases, suboptimal vaccination rates, and existing barriers that influence vaccine uptake, there is an urgent need to improve vaccine coverage and minimize the resulting consequences. To conclude, vaccines play a crucial role in reducing the risk of infections among rheumatic disease patients, especially on immunosuppressive therapy. It is essential to identify the drivers of vaccine hesitancy among patients and then address them with the help of a multipronged and concerted approach to augment vaccine coverage.