ACR highly encourages people to get vaccinated
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) strongly encourages people, especially those with autoimmune or rheumatic diseases to get a Coronavirus disease (Covid) vaccine, in order to reduce the risk of complications related to the disease.
The vaccines will surely help those who are immunocompromised or those with rheumatic disease by preventing hospitalization and possible detriment to the overall health.
If you are unsure whether or not to get the vaccine, consult your doctor in order to come up with a mutual decision about the vaccination plan.
Speak to your doctor about how to best take your medications in relation to getting the vaccine.
It is known that medication use guidelines may change based on the knowledge we get from the effects of vaccines.
If a patient is taking mycophenolate, methotrexate, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, tofacitinib, upadacitinib, cyclophosphamide or rituximab a brief interruption of 1 to 2 weeks in the use of these drugs may be needed.
It is very important to discuss the pause in the use of these medications with your rheumatologist or physician.
When you get inoculated, expect some minor side effects: fever, muscle aches, and joint pain. These side effects typically resolve after a few days and are not signs of Covid infection.
These common side effects may happen or appear after either or both doses of the vaccines known as the primary dose series, or a single dose as in the case of Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
It will be helpful to let your doctor know about your allergies so that you can relay these pieces of information when you arrive at the vaccination area. Aside from possible allergic reactions, there are no known vaccine contraindications for patients with autoimmune or rheumatic conditions.
People who got vaccinated should follow all public health guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control regarding physical distancing and other preventive measures, such as wearing of a face mask.
There is no specific brand being recommended by the ACR for patients with rheumatic disease. It is known that all vaccine brands are effective and safe.