Psoriatic Arthritis and COVID Vaccines: What You Should Know
Medically reviewed by Geetika Gupta, MD
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and swelling of the joints and other parts of the body. PsA treatments can weaken the immune system, putting those with the condition at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and becoming seriously ill.
Vaccination has proven to be the most effective way to protect against severe illness from COVID-19. Individuals with PsA are no exception. However, due to the impact this condition has on the immune system, special considerations are necessary to enhance the protective benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine.
This article discusses the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals with PsA. It also outlines vaccine options and the benefits and risks of each.
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Should You Get the COVID-19 Vaccine If You Have Psoriatic Arthritis?
If you've been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, you may be wondering whether the COVID-19 vaccine is right for you.
People who have been diagnosed with autoimmune conditions like psoriatic arthritis or who are taking immunosuppressive medications, like those prescribed for PsA, can have a weakened immune system. These individuals are at a higher risk for severe illness and death from COVID-19.
CDC Recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that immunosuppressed people and people with weakened immune systems be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect themselves against severe illness.
Is the Vaccine Less Effective for Those With Psoriatic Arthritis?
Vaccines work by safely introducing a pathogen into the body that triggers an immune response. This signals the immune system to start building antibodies against that pathogen to prepare for future (and less safe) exposures.
People with a weakened immune system have a reduced immune response and may not be able to build up the same number of antibodies as someone with a healthy immune system.
For this reason, it's possible that the vaccine is less effective for those with psoriatic arthritis. Its effectiveness is further impacted by the medications sometimes prescribed for this condition and how they affect the immune system. That is not to say that the vaccine is ineffective against COVID-19; it is simply less effective in some cases.
Although the vaccine may not be as effective for people with PsA, it still provides an essential layer of protection against severe illness and death.
Takeaway
Ultimately, the benefits of being vaccinated far outweigh the risks of being unvaccinated and contracting the virus causing COVID-19.
Related: How Do Vaccines Work?
Vaccination Options
There are currently three COVID-19 vaccination options approved or authorized by the U.S. Food Drug Administration (FDA): Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are authorized or approved for individuals 6 months and older. The Novavax vaccine is authorized for emergency use in people 12 years and older. The previously available Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is no longer authorized for us in the U.S.
The original vaccines have been updated to newer formulas that protect against newer variants. Each of the available vaccines has been updated to a formula that targets a newer Omicron variant. If you have received at least one dose of the most recently updated mRNA vaccine (or two doses of the updated Novavax vaccine), you are considered up-to-date with your vaccination.
The CDC recommendations outlined below are specifically for individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, meaning they have a weakened immune system.
Takeaway
Currently, mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccines are the preferred vaccine type. These include either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
Pfizer and Moderna
For those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised and haven't received any COVID-19 vaccines, the Pfizer COVID-19 and Moderna vaccines are both given as a three dose series. For those who are vaccinated, one or two updated doses will be given, depending on the number of original doses received.
Immunocompromised people have a higher risk of being hospitalized, becoming severely ill, or dying from COVID-19. As a result, the CDC recommends that some immunocompromised people receive an additional dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. For children 4 years and under, this additional dose should be from the same manufacturer as their previous vaccines.
Novavax
For those who are immunocompromised and have not received any COVID-19 vaccines, the Novavax vaccine is given in three doses, eight weeks apart. It is the first protein-based COVID-19 vaccine authorized in the U.S. In limited situations, a Novavax booster dose may be used in people ages 18 and older who are unable to receive an mRNA vaccine.
An updated dose from Pfizer or Moderna is recommended at least two months after receiving any dose of the Novavax series.
What This Means for People With PsA
For immunocompromised people with PsA, staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines means completing your primary series and getting all recommended additional doses.
Vaccination Benefits
Being fully vaccinated can help improve the body's immune response, especially in people with PsA who may have a weakened immune system.
The COVID-19 vaccine has potentially life-saving benefits. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), getting vaccinated protects against serious illness, hospitalization, and death, and could even reduce your risk of transmitting the virus to other people.
Vaccination Risks
The COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be safe and effective. However, all vaccines have potential side effects, which are typically mild.
Some possible side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines include:
Some people have experienced serious health events after COVID-19 vaccination, but these cases are very rare.
A 2021 study reported people experiencing psoriasis flare-ups (a related condition to PsA) after receiving the vaccine. However, more evidence is needed to determine the cause of these flare-ups.
Of note, a report from the same publication also noted PsA flare-ups resulting from COVID-19 infections.
Benefits vs. Risks
Based on the current research and recommendations, the benefits of receiving the vaccine far outweigh the risk of potential flare-ups.
Should I Get the COVID-19 Vaccination Booster If I Have Psoriatic Arthritis?
CDC guidance recommends that individuals with psoriatic arthritis receive an updated booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least two months after their most recent dose.
A 2022 study that looked at the impact of booster doses on people who have a weakened immune system found that the immune response in people who had received a second dose of the vaccine was 41% and increased to 67% after a third dose. The study also found that people who had little to no immune response to the initial two-dose series saw a 44% increase in antibodies after receiving a booster dose.
Summary
The best way for people with psoriatic arthritis to protect themselves against the virus is to stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Although the vaccines may be less effective for those taking immunosuppressive medications that treat PsA, the immune-boosting benefits may make a big difference in the severity of COVID-19.
There is a possible risk of PsA flare-ups as a result of the vaccine, but the same risk exists from infection with COVID-19. It's encouraged to talk to a healthcare provider about any concerns.
A Word From Verywell
If you have an autoimmune condition like psoriatic arthritis, you are likely wondering how COVID-19 and the vaccine may affect you. Research has shown the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines, even in immunocompromised people. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine and other ways you can protect yourself against the virus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the COVID-19 vaccine cause a psoriatic arthritis flare up?
There have been reports of psoriatic arthritis flare-ups associated with COVID-19 vaccination. However, getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself against COVID-19.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for people with psoriatic arthritis?
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and recommended for people with psoriatic arthritis. It helps to boost the immune response in people who may have a weakened immune system.
Is the COVID-19 booster safe for people with psoriatic arthritis?
Yes, it's both safe and recommended for people with psoriatic arthritis to receive a booster dose.
Does the AstraZeneca antibody drug Evusheld protect against COVID-19?
Research has shown that a single dose of Evusheld can provide protection against COVID-19. However, it was found to be less effective against newer variants, leading to the FDA revoking its authorization in January 2023.
The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our coronavirus news page.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
