Ankylosing spondylitis is atype of arthritisthat causes inflammation primarily in the spine but can also affect other joints.
People with ankylosing spondylitis are often prescribed immunosuppressive medications to manage their symptoms and reduce inflammation.
Biologics like IL-17 and IL-12/23 inhibitors are also used to treat the condition.
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It’s still unclear whether ankylosing spondylitis itself is a risk factor for COVID-19.
Always consult your healthcare provider before stopping or changing the dosage of your medications.
It is recommended that patients with ankylosing spondylitis continue their medication and get a COVID-19 vaccine.
The information in this article is current as of the date listed.
As new research becomes available, well update this article.
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The most widely administered COVID-19 vaccines in the United States use mRNA technology instead.
As a result, the vaccine may provide less protection against COVID-19 for those with ankylosing spondylitis.
The American College of Rheumatology also has recommendations for holding certain immunomodulatory therapies before and after vaccination.
Depending on the severity of your condition, delaying medication dosages may not be possible.
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doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-218171
Spondylitis Association of America.COVID-19 vaccines and spondyloarthritis: what you should know.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.COVID-19 Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People.
2023;75(1).
