Vaccines and Lupus: Assessing safety, efficacy, and additional aspects
For individuals with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), also known as lupus, staying healthy and protected against infectious diseases is crucial. Here's a guide on the vaccines that are generally safe for people with lupus and those that should be avoided or deferred.
Safe Vaccines for People with Lupus
Inactivated vaccines, such as the COVID-19 vaccines and the recombinant zoster vaccine, are considered safe for people with lupus. These vaccines do not contain live viruses and cannot cause infection, even in immunosuppressed patients. However, their effectiveness may be reduced if the person is on immunosuppressant medication.
The recombinant zoster vaccine, an inactivated vaccine, has been shown to effectively prevent shingles in lupus patients without increasing the risk of severe lupus flares. Inactivated vaccines in general are safe for people with lupus, including those who may be taking steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs.
Live Vaccines to Avoid or Defer
Live vaccines, such as the live zoster vaccine, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), or yellow fever vaccines, are typically avoided or deferred if the patient is on high doses of steroids (prednisone ≥ 20 mg/day) or other immunosuppressants, due to increased risk of causing disease or triggering lupus activity.
Vaccination Considerations
When deciding on vaccinations, it's important to consider disease activity, medication regimen, and timing to optimize safety and vaccine effectiveness. Vaccination decisions should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, preferably a rheumatologist or another doctor with expertise in lupus.
Importance of Vaccines for Lupus Patients
Vaccines can help a person's immune system fight certain diseases, protecting them from becoming seriously ill. People with lupus may not respond well to live-attenuated vaccines, but some may experience no issues. Although rare, some vaccines may cause a flare of lupus symptoms, but the benefits of a vaccine often outweigh the possible risks of a flare.
It's essential to note that there is little evidence to suggest that vaccines are not effective for people with lupus, but further research is necessary. Vaccines can cause certain side effects, such as swelling, muscle and joint aches, and mild fever. However, these side effects are generally mild and temporary.
Finding Vaccination Centers
In the United States, the government has a helpful tool to find nearby vaccination centers. It's always best to consult with a healthcare provider before receiving a vaccine to ensure it is safe and effective for the individual's specific lupus status and treatment.
In summary, safe vaccines for lupus patients include inactivated vaccines like COVID-19 vaccines and recombinant zoster vaccine, while live vaccines should generally be avoided or delayed until immunosuppression is reduced. Consulting a healthcare provider is crucial when making vaccination decisions to ensure the best possible health outcomes for people with lupus.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). COVID-19 vaccines and people with moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency or taking immunosuppressive medications. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html
[2] National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2018). Shingles Vaccination: What Everyone Needs to Know. https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/shingles-vaccination-what-everyone-needs-know
[3] American College of Rheumatology. (2021). COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Rheumatology Patients. https://www.rheumatology.org/Portals/0/Files/COVID-19-Vaccine-Information-for-Rheumatology-Patients.pdf
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Vaccines and People with Autoimmune Diseases. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/autoimmune.html
[5] National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2021). Lupus: Medications. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/lupus/medications
- For people with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or lupus, maintaining a robust immune system is vital, especially against infectious diseases.
- Inactivated vaccines like COVID-19 vaccines and the recombinant zoster vaccine are generally safe for people with lupus, as they do not contain live viruses.
- The COVID-19 vaccines have been deemed safe for immunosuppressed patients, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Although inactivated vaccines may be less effective for lupus patients on immunosuppressant medication, they remain a crucial defense against various diseases.
- The recombinant zoster vaccine has shown effectiveness in preventing shingles in lupus patients, without increasing the risk of severe lupus flares.
- Live vaccines such as the live zoster vaccine, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), or yellow fever vaccines should generally be avoided or deferred for patients on high doses of steroids or immunosuppressants.
- When making vaccination decisions, it's essential to consider disease activity, medication regimen, and timing to optimize safety and vaccine effectiveness.
- Consulting a healthcare provider, preferably a rheumatologist or another doctor with expertise in lupus, is crucial when making vaccination decisions.
- Certain vaccines may cause minor side effects like swelling, muscle and joint aches, and mild fever, but these side effects are generally mild and temporary.
- It's essential to note that there is little evidence to suggest that vaccines are not effective for people with lupus, but further research is ongoing to ensure the safety and efficacy of vaccines for this population.
- In the United States, individuals can find nearby vaccination centers using the government's helpful tool before consulting with a healthcare provider.
- Maintaining good health requires a combination of factors, including vaccinations, therapies and treatments, nutrition, fitness and exercise, eye health, hearing, skin care, and mental health, among others, for overall health and wellness.
