Infection prophylaxis in antirheumatic therapy: emphasis on vaccination

[Vaccination in rheumatology: Evolution of views on the problem]

The problem of coinfections that are due to both a rheumatic disease (RD) itself and the need to use immunosuppressive drugs deserves apparent attention in modern rheumatology. Coinfections substantially affect morbidity and mortality rates, especially in diffuse connective tissue diseases. The data available in the literature on the above subject matter suggest that vaccination is a powerful method for prevention of infectious diseases that are the most important problem for patients with RD.

Autoimmune disease and vaccination: impact on infectious disease prevention and a look at future applications

Vaccines hold promise both for the prevention of infections and as potential immunologic therapy for patients with autoimmune disease (AD). These patients are at high risk for both common and opportunistic infections, but this risk can be significantly reduced and even obviated with the use of recommended available vaccines. Unfortunately, patients with ADs are not routinely offered or provided indicated vaccinations and have higher rates of complications from vaccine-preventable illnesses than patients without ADs. In addition, vaccine therapy is currently under study for the treatment of autoimmune disorders, with early studies demonstrating immunomodulatory effects that may counter undesired immune activation and alleviate disease activity.