Rheumatoid Arthritis Quiz: COVID-19 Vaccination for Patients With RA and Other Rheumatic Diseases
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has recently issued conditional recommendations on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination for rheumatology patients with musculoskeletal, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases. The recommendations are focused on the 2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States and are based on experience using immunomodulatory medications with other vaccines. The recommendations will be reviewed as additional COVID-19 vaccines are approved for use and more information on vaccine response specific to rheumatic disease patients emerges. Test your knowledge of the special considerations recommended for COVID-19 vaccination of patients with rheumatic diseases.
Which of the following statements does not correspond to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) conditional recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination for rheumatology patients with musculoskeletal, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases?
A. The benefit of COVID-19 vaccination outweighs any small, possible risks for new autoimmune reactions or disease flare after vaccination
B. Patients with autoimmune and inflammatory rheumatic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, should be prioritized for vaccination above members of the general population of a similar age
C. Response to vaccination for patients on systemic immunomodulatory therapies is likely to be enhanced.
D. There is a theoretical risk of flares following COVID-19 vaccination.
E. Patients with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions who become infected with COVID-19 are at a higher risk of hospitalization and have worse outcomes compared to the general population.
