Systemic lupus erythematosus and vaccination

Eur J Intern Med. 2009 May;20(3):236-41. doi: 10.1016/j.ejim.2008.07.017. Epub 2008 Aug 29.

Abstract

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are frequently immunodepressed making them more vulnerable to infections. Preventive vaccination is therefore warranted but has often been withheld owing to fears of a link between infection and autoimmunity, and the possibility of inducing or exacerbating lupus after vaccination. The data published in the literature suggest that vaccination of lupus patient is safe, except for live vaccines. Their efficacy is lower than in healthy subjects but protection seems to be sufficient. But further large-scale studies are required to confirm these statements.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmunity / immunology
  • Bacterial Infections / epidemiology
  • Bacterial Infections / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / epidemiology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Vaccination*
  • Virus Diseases / epidemiology
  • Virus Diseases / prevention & control*