Psoriatic diseases can sometimes require treatments thatsuppress the immune system.
These medications can put people at risk for other illnesses, includingCOVID-19.
Because of this potential immunosuppression, people with psoriasis are encouraged to obtain COVID-19 vaccination.
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No single COVID-19 vaccine is more likely to lead to an exacerbation than any other.
The good news is that skin flares improve rapidly with ongoing disease management.
In the study, almost no one developed worsening psoriasis after receiving the second dose of vaccine.
This recommendation is based on the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines in preventing severe infection and death.
Other vaccines have also caused psoriasis flares in people with the disease.
Culprit vaccines include:
Are COVID-19 Vaccines Safe for People With Psoriasis?
People who receive vaccination do not develop the disease.
Are COVID-19 Vaccines Effective in People With Psoriasis?
The most important thing to remember is that all four vaccines are highly effective at preventing hospitalization and death.
However, people with psoriasis might be taking immunosuppressive agents to control their disease.
People who take these medicines were not included in the vaccine clinical trials.
Immunosuppressive agents prevent an effective immune response with vaccination.
The only exception is in people age 60 and older who take methotrexate.
This group should discuss whether to hold their medication with their healthcare provider.
Overall, experts recommend complete vaccination for people with psoriasis.
Some immunity is better than none.
Which Vaccine Is Best?
Each available vaccine has been updated to a formulation that provides protection against newer variants.
People with psoriatic disease who take immunosuppressive or immune-modulating therapies are eligible for an additional vaccine dose.
This dose is offered to people who have difficulty building immunity because of their underlying disease or medications.
People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised from their medication should consider getting an additional dose.
If you are moderately or severely immunocompromised, you should consider getting an additional dose.
Healthcare providers agree that people with psoriasis and COVID-19 should continue their current therapies.
People with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis have several different immunosuppressive treatment options.
The use of corticosteroids during acute infection with SARS-CoV-2 may be associated with worse outcomes in those cases.
You should speak with your healthcare provider about the best course of action for your disease state and COVID-19.
Summary
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune and inflammatory skin disorder that is often treated with immunosuppressive therapy.
Therefore, it is crucial to complete COVID-19 vaccination.
The vaccines are safe and effective in people with psoriasis, and experts recommend complete immunization for all people.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
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