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Review
Vaccines and biologics
  1. Isabel Ferreira1,
  2. David Isenberg2
  1. 1Immuno-mediated Systemic Diseases Unit, Medicina 4, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, EPE, IC19, Amadora, Portugal
  2. 2Department of Medicine, Centre for Rheumatology, University College of London, London, UK
  1. Correspondence to Professor David Isenberg, Department of Medicine, Centre for Rheumatology, University College of London, Room 424, The Rayne Building, London WC1E 6JF, UK; d.isenberg{at}ucl.ac.uk

Abstract

Patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases are more susceptible to infectious complications during the course of their disease. The introduction of biologics has been a major achievement in treating these diseases, but an increased risk of infection associated with these therapies has become evident. Some infections can be prevented by vaccination and it is clearly worthwhile considering which immunisations would be sensible and practicable for these patients. To date no formal specific recommendations for patients on biologics have been published. A search was made of Medline (via PubMed) from 1970 to January 2014 to provide results. This review aims to provide a systematic analysis of the data about vaccines and biologics and considers recommendations for vaccination in adult patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases treated with biologics.

Keywords
  • vaccines
  • biologics

https://doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-205246

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