August 14, 2021
Dear Empower Rheumatology patients and families, as we are creating this post to address the recently released FDA recommendation on Covid Booster vaccine, we are still waiting on the formal recommendation from American College of Rheumatology (ACR) on how FDA recommendation applies to our rheumatology patients and their treatments. There will be additional update as we receive ACR’s recommendation.
Studies have shown effective management of systemic inflammation and autoimmunity minimizes risk for Covid infection (uncontrolled autoimmune inflammation increases risk of Covid infection by 2 times) and proper use of Covid vaccines further enhances this protection. Please stay tuned!
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Covid Vaccine Booster 101
- What are available for Covid vaccine booster?
Currently we have Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for a third dose.
- Who can benefit from it?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee recommended that rheumatology patients being actively treated with high-dose corticosteroids, alkylating agents, antimetabolites, tumor-necrosis factor blockers and other biologic agents that are immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory received a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA Covid vaccine.
*If you are only on Hydroxychloroquine, low dose prednisone of 5mg or below daily, low dose Sulfasalazine 1000mg daily or below, or minocycline, you may not need to obtain a booster vaccine at this time.
- Is antibody testing necessary before receiving the booster vaccine?
The CDC noted that the effectiveness and accuracy of antibody testing are still being evaluated and currently there is no recommendation for routine antibody testing before receiving the booster dose.
- When should I obtain the booster vaccine?
The additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine should be administered at least 28 days after completion of the primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series, and patients and providers should stick to the same brand for the third dose, if possible. No determination was made on the safety of receiving one of the mRNA vaccines if a patient initially received the Johnson & Johnson shot.
- Do I need to hold my rheumatologic treatment?
*Please refer to our Covid Vaccine 101 posting earlier.
- What else can I do to stay healthy? (this applies to all patients)
*Wearing a mask
*Staying 6 feet apart from those they don’t live with you
*Avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces until advised otherwise by their healthcare provider
*Close contacts of immunocompromised people should be strongly encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19
Together We are Stronger