Immunization of patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (the EULAR recommendations)

Lupus. 2012 Feb;21(2):162-7. doi: 10.1177/0961203311429555.

Abstract

The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for vaccination in adult patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD) have been recently published. These evidence-based recommendations were based on existing literature in combination with expert opinion. Although patients with AIIRD are at increased risk of suffering from (complicated) infectious diseases--and vaccination seems a tool to reduce this risk--still many questions and controversies remain for the individual patient. In this overview, taking influenza as an example, the background of the recommendations, their clinical implications, and the direction of future research are discussed. The increase in knowledge on vaccine-preventable infections will allow us to further improve vaccination strategies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology*
  • Contraindications
  • Europe
  • Guidelines as Topic
  • Humans
  • Immunization*
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control
  • Rheumatic Diseases / immunology*
  • Vaccines / immunology*
  • Vaccines / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Vaccines