The Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology Consensus Recommendations for COVID-19 Vaccination in Adult Patients with Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases

Abstract

Patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases are potentially at risk of more serious Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and increased mortality due to immunosuppressive therapies and disease-related medical comorbidities. Uncertainty about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines is a major deterrent for patients to participate in the vaccination program. The Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology took the lead to publish a set of consensus statements for COVID-19 vaccination in adult patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases through a Delphi exercise that involved the senior members of the Society. This serves as a guide to rheumatologists and other specialists, nurses, healthcare professionals, and public regarding COVID-19 vaccination in autoimmune rheumatic diseases.