The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has released its full 2022 guideline for vaccinations in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, published by Bass et al in Arthritis Care & Research. The guideline—the first, according to the ACR, to address vaccination strategies across the entire adult and pediatric rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease spectrum—focuses on providing evidence-based recommendations for use of vaccines such as influenza, pneumococcal, recombinant varicella-zoster virus, human papillomavirus, and more, taking into account prescribed medications and disease activity among patients. The guideline first and foremost emphasizes vaccine adherence, with missed vaccination opportunities avoided or minimized. It also places strong emphasis on influenza vaccination in this population, regardless of their disease activity or whether they are taking high-dose glucocorticoids and/or rituximab.
May 25, 2023