Great question — and an important one. Having RA means the immune system is already working differently, and that can affect how the body responds to COVID-19.
People with RA are at a higher risk of getting COVID-19 and experiencing more serious complications, including hospitalization. This is partly due to the condition Show Full Answer
Great question — and an important one. Having RA means the immune system is already working differently, and that can affect how the body responds to COVID-19.
People with RA are at a higher risk of getting COVID-19 and experiencing more serious complications, including hospitalization. This is partly due to the condition itself, and partly because many RA medications can suppress the immune system.
A myRAteam member shared that after contracting COVID-19, their RA flared up immediately — which makes sense, as infections can trigger flares by putting extra stress on the body and causing inflammation. When it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine, health experts — including the American College of Rheumatology — strongly recommend that people with RA get vaccinated. The benefits far outweigh the risks.
Here's what to know about the vaccine and RA:
- It's safe — side effects are usually mild and short-lived, like fatigue, headache, or soreness at the injection site
- Flares after vaccination are uncommon and tend to be mild if they do occur
- Some RA medications may slightly reduce vaccine effectiveness — worth discussing with your rheumatologist
- If you've had a past allergic reaction to a vaccine, talk to your doctor before getting vaccinated
Staying up to date on boosters is also recommended, even if you've already had COVID-19. As always, your rheumatologist is the best person to guide decisions based on your specific medications and health history.
September 27
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