COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Guidance Summary for Patients with Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (Part 3)
We continue with our recommendations for the use of Coronavirus disease (Covid ) vaccines for patients with Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMD)
RMD patients, according to the American College of Rheumatology (AMR), should receive Covid vaccines, based on the emergency use authorization (EUA) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
All vaccines that are approved by the FDA via an EUA is beneficial for RMD patients regardless of their treatment regimen.
For 2-dose vaccines, patients must receive the second dose of the same vaccine, even if there are non-serious adverse events associated with receipt of the first dose.
Healthcare providers should not routinely order any lab testing to check immunity to Covid post-vaccination.
After getting vaccinated, RMD patients should continue to follow all public health protocol such as physical distancing and other preventive measures.
Household members and other frequent close contacts of RMD patients should get vaccinated when able to help protect the patient.
Covid vaccination should be given as soon as possible for those who are deemed to be in the priority groups such as those who are immunocompromised or the elderly.
The guidelines will be revised as soon as new evidence becomes available.
Next week we will focus on when the vaccines should be administered including the use of RMD medications.