Immunization in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases

Abstract

Immunization represents the most efficient and simplest intervention to prevent certain viral and bacterial infections in the general population as well as in the vulnerable population of patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases treated with immunosuppressives. Here, we present an updated review of literature data regarding the safety and efficacy of immunizations against different pathogens in rheumatic patients treated with conventional immunosuppressives or the newer biologic agents while at the same time we provide practical guidance for the appropriate vaccine administration in this patient population.

Keywords: Biologics; Corticosteroids; Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs; Hepatitis B virus; Herpes zoster; Human papilloma virus; Influenza; Pneumococcal; Vaccines.