A NEW study from the Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) reveals that the majority of individuals with systemic sclerosis (SSc) have received COVID-19 vaccinations, with most reporting no severe side effects.
The study was conducted between April 2021 and July 2022, and surveyed 1,033 participants with SSc, focusing on vaccination rates, adverse reactions, and concerns about vaccine-induced flares.
By mid-2022, 89% of participants had completed a primary COVID-19 vaccine series and at least one booster dose. Of those who were unvaccinated in April 2021, 61% had received a vaccine by June 2022. Despite concerns over SSc flares, only 4% of participants reported worsening SSc symptoms after receiving a booster shot.
The study also found that 35% of participants had contracted COVID-19, with most cases being mild to moderate. Only 9% of those infected required hospitalisation. These findings suggest that COVID-19 vaccines are safe for individuals with SSc and provide reassurance for those worried about potential adverse effects.
Additionally, the study showed that fewer than 20% of individuals using immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or mycophenolate adjusted their medication around the time of vaccination, indicating that most patients were able to maintain their regular treatment regimens without experiencing severe complications.
These results offer valuable insights for healthcare providers counseling SSc patients about the benefits and safety of COVID-19 vaccinations, especially for those hesitant about the potential for disease flares.
Aleksandra Zurowska, EMJ
Reference
Lakin KS et al. COVID-19 vaccinations and infections among individuals with systemic sclerosis: A Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) Cohort study. Elsevier. 2024;67:152453.
