JawaPos.com – Autoimmune patients should consult a doctor before deciding to vaccinate against Covid-19. Autoimmune diseases are characterized by systemic inflammation, in which an unregulated immune system causes target organ damage or dysfunction. Rheumatic autoimmune diseases include conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (LES), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), in which connective tissue (cartilage, joint synovium, skin) is most commonly targeted.
Internal Medicine Specialist, Consultant Rheumatology Prof. Dr. dr. Harry Isbagio, SpPD-KR, KGer, said the challenges faced by SLE patients are very high, especially in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. The increased risk of transmitting the Covid-19 virus in autoimmune patients makes lupus patients have to take extra precautions. SLE patients who are hospitalized for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by Covid-19 have a significantly higher risk of mortality and worsening of the condition, compared to otherwise healthy individuals without other congenital diseases.
“This Covid-19 pandemic is likely to be able to cause the emergence of autoimmune diseases, including autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis,” he said in a written statement, Wednesday (15/12).
Then is it important for autoimmune patients to be vaccinated?
Unfortunately, according to Prof. Harry immunogenicity (body response to vaccines) in the inactivated SARS-COV2 vaccine strain, mRNA, and viral vector was lower in AIIRD patients than in the general population. As for the level of safety of the vaccine is the same.
This difference in immunogenicity is due to the use of immunosuppressive drugs in AIIRD patients. Given that AIIRD patients have a higher and more severe risk of COVID-19 infection, this makes Covid-19 vaccination an important part of treatment.
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Editor: Nurul Adriyana Salbiah
Reporter: Marieska Harya Virdhani
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