Open AccessThe Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology Consensus Recommendations for COVID-19 Vaccination in Adult Patients with Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases
Author(s) -
Ho So,
Chi Chiu Mok,
Ronald Yip
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of clinical rheumatology and immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2661-3425
pISSN - 2661-3417
DOI - 10.1142/s2661341721400010
Subject(s) - medicine , rheumatology , vaccination , covid-19 , disease , rheumatism , immunology , family medicine , intensive care medicine , physical therapy , infectious disease (medical specialty)
Patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases are potentially at risk of more serious Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and increased mortality due to immunosuppressive therapies and disease-related medical comorbidities. Uncertainty about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines is a major deterrent for patients to participate in the vaccination program. The Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology took the lead to publish a set of consensus statements for COVID-19 vaccination in adult patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases through a Delphi exercise that involved the senior members of the Society. This serves as a guide to rheumatologists and other specialists, nurses, healthcare professionals, and public regarding COVID-19 vaccination in autoimmune rheumatic diseases.