FAQs by patients with RMDs and patients using drugs that influence the immune system:

Q Do I need to get a third (supplemental) vaccination?  
A  — Based on scientific evidence a number of RMD patients will need a third vaccination as part of their initial vaccine cycle: see the list in annex 2.

Q  Do I need to get a booster vaccination?
A  —  In many countries people are now receiving booster vaccinations as part of strategies to contain the pandemic. It is advised to adhere to the national guidelines.

Q Is one vaccine better for me than another one? 
A  — Based on available data no advice can be given for one vaccine over another for patients with RMDs. There are no large studies comparing vaccines, looking at efficacy and safety specifically in patients with RMDs. In many countries not all vaccines are available and national guidelines determine which vaccine can be given. Vaccination, using any of the available, approved vaccines, is definitely better than no vaccination. 

 Q What about vaccines that are not listed in Annex 1? 
A   — This list is based on widely approved vaccines. For example, Sputnik V is a non-replicable vector vaccine from Gamaleya; it is approved by local health authorities of some European countries. 

Q Can I get COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations together? 
A  — Yes, they can be given together, but it is no problem when they are given at different times. 

Q I had COVID-19 and recovered from it. Should I be vaccinated? 
A  — Yes, vaccination after COVID-19 is safe and provides significant additional protection. In many countries one instead of two vaccinations are given, usually 2-6 months, after recovery from COVID-19. 

Q Can I get the vaccination if I take my antirheumatic or immunosuppressive drugs? 
A — Yes, you can. There is no danger in receiving the vaccination. The main question is whether the vaccination is effective enough. If you are using immunosuppressive drugs, please consult your rheumatologist about possible decreased efficacy (see also annex 2).

Q  Do vaccines interfere with my medication? 
A  — No.

Q Do I need to measure my antibody response after vaccination? 
A  — This is being done for research purposes in groups of patients to collect scientific data to guide clinical practice. This is not recommended in routine clinical care for individual patients, largely because it is unknown which level of antibodies predicts protection against getting infected. 

​ Q Who should I consult before vaccination – my GP or my rheumatologist?   
A  — GPs will be able to answer some of your questions, but for specific questions your rheumatologist should be able to help. 

Q What data is necessary to be collected to make the right decision?  
A  — Knowledge of your disease activity, drug treatment and possible comorbidities. 

Q  What about side effects?  ​
A  — The approved, available vaccines are remarkably safe, with a similar side-effect profile to the flu vaccination. Based on the reported rare side effects, different countries use different age group rules for different vaccines. This is not related to having a RMD or not; these rules are for everybody. It is advised to adhere to the national guidelines. 

Q  What should I do in case of a flare? 
A  — Luckily, the rates of flares reported in RMDs after COVID vaccination is the same as the rates of flares reported in RMD patients when they are not getting vaccinated. A flare would not likely be related to the vaccine itself, but should you experience any flare for any reason, we recommend you contact your rheumatologist. 

Q What should I do if I have side effects that last longer than 48 hours?  
A  — This is unlikely, but contact your rheumatologist. 

Q Will I need a vaccination annually as with other vaccinations e.g., flu?  
A  — This is unknown for the moment, but it could very well be the case in the future.

Q What about long-term effects?  
A  — The evidence so far suggests that, like other vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines are safe short term as well as long term. In contrast, not only can COVID-19 infection cause severe illness in the short term, but so-called ‘long COVID’ can cause severe symptoms over many months. 

Q Am I more at risk of getting COVID-19 infection? 
A  — No, there is no evidence that the risk of getting the infection is higher in patients with RMDs. 

​ Q Am I more at risk of getting severe COVID-19 infection?   
A — Not by your disease itself; but -like in everybody- when you have accompanying medical problems (such as chronic lung disease) or major organ damage (such as kidney problems), the risk can be higher.

Q Do my treatments increase the risk of severe COVID-19 infection?   
A — Most of the drugs used in RMDs have not been associated with severe infection. To date the only treatments that have been shown to be associated with a severe COVID-19 outcome are Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, MMF or using more than 10 mg Glucocorticoids daily. Regarding other drugs used in RMDs, we do not have evidence that they are associated with severe COVID-19 infection. Importantly, more active disease is associated with severe outcomes related to infections, including COVID-19. In case you are using one of those drugs mentioned, talk to your rheumatologist about the best options for your situation.

Q Should I encourage my relatives and friends to get vaccinated?  
A  — Absolutely, that’s the only way to protect each other and contain the pandemic. 

Q Am I fully protected against COVID-19 when I’m vaccinated?  
A  — Absolutely, that’s the only way to protect each other and contain the pandemic.

Q Am I fully protected against COVID-19 when I’m vaccinated?  
A  — Unfortunately, no; you still need to adhere to the general rules: keep distance, wash your hands, ventilate rooms, avoid large groups, self-isolate if you have symptoms etc.

Annex 1: approved vaccinations, used in at least 5 different countries 

Annex 2: immunosuppressive drugs that might influence the immune response to COVID-19 vaccinations. Learn more* (only available in German) The advised third vaccination is part of the initial cycle of vaccination, and doesn’t refer to the booster vaccination.

NB: Current available evidence suggests that the following medications have no or little influence upon the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination

• Conventional synthetic antirheumatic drugs: Hydroxychloroquine, Sulfasalazine, Apremilast, Tacrolimus, or lower dosages of Azathioprine (2mg/kg/day or less), Methotrexate (20 mg/week or less), Leflunomide (20 mg/week or less) and Ciclosporine (2 ½ mg/kg/day or less).
• Biologicals such as the TNFalpha-blockers (Adalumimab, Certolizumab, Etanercept, Golimumab, Infliximab) the inhibitors of IL-6R (Sarilumab, Tocilizumab), IL-17A (Secukinumab, Ixekizumab), IL-12/23 (Ustekinumab), IL-23 (Guselkumab), IL-1 (Canakinumab), IL-1R (Anakinra), IL-4 (Dupilumab), IL-5 (Mepolizumab) and anti-BLYSS (Belimumab). These biologicals are more modulating than suppressing the immune system.

This statement was formulated by the EULAR Taskforce on COVID-19, and the EULAR Recommendations group on COVID-19. Members: Hans Bijlsma (chair), Alessia Alunno, Gerd Burmester, Roberto Caporali, Loreto Carmona, Bernard Combe, Richard Conway, Jeffrey Curtis, Ori Elkayam, Laure Gossec, Lukas Haupt, Marloes Heijstek, Annamaria Iagnocco, John Isaacs, Istvan Juhasz, Feline Kroon, Robert Landewe, Pedro Machado, Souzi Makri, Xavier Mariette, Iain McInnes, Puja Mehta, Ulf Muller-Ladner, Aurelie Najm, Victoria Navarro-Compan, Julia Rautenstrauch, Diana Rodrigues, Hendrik Schulze-Koops, Josef Smolen, Tanja Stamm, Thea Vliet Vlieland, Dieter Wiek and Kevin Winthrop.