Systemic sclerosis and COVID-19 vaccines: a SPIN Cohort study

Summary: Among adults with systemic rheumatic disease who received COVID-19 vaccination, most patients were willing to temporarily discontinue disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to improve vaccine efficacy. Patient-reported adverse events were typical of those reported in the general population, and the relatively low frequency of rheumatic disease flare requiring medication changes was reassuring.

Summary: The study found that COVID-19 patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases may have a higher risk of hospitalization, ICU admission, acute renal failure, and venous thromboembolism compared to those without systemic ARDs. These risks may be largely influenced by comorbidities, except for the risk of venous thromboembolism.

Summary: Acceptance rates of COVID-19 vaccines vary significantly between countries and time points, with Arabian countries showing higher hesitancy rates. Factors contributing to hesitancy include negative perceptions of vaccine efficacy, safety, convenience, and price. Certain socio-demographic groups identified with lower vaccine acceptance rates include women, younger participants, and individuals with lower education level, income, insurance coverage, living in rural areas, and identifying as racial/ethnic minorities.