Canadian Rheumatology Association Recommendation for the Use of COVID-19 Vaccination for Patients With Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases

Objective To develop guidance on the use of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD). Methods The Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) formed a multidisciplinary panel including rheumatologists, researchers, methodologists, vaccine experts, and patients. used GRADE (Grading Recommendations Assessment, Development, Evaluation) approach. Outcomes were prioritized according to their importance for clinicians. Evidence from COVID-19 clinical trials was summarized. Indirect evidence non–COVID-19 ARD also considered. evidence-to-decision (EtD) framework recommendation 4 approved Canada as March 25, 2021 (BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, ChAdOx1, Ad26.COV2.S), over virtual meetings. Results CRA guideline suggests using vaccination persons ARD. unanimously agreed that majority patients, potential health benefits outweigh harms people ARDs. graded conditional because low or very certainty effects population interest, primarily due indirectness imprecise effect estimates. felt strongly who meet local eligibility should not be required take additional steps compared without ARDs obtain vaccination. Guidance medications, implementation, monitoring uptake, research priorities are provided. Conclusion This will updated time new emerges, latest recommendation, summaries, EtD available website.