Experts on autoimmune and inflammatory disease, including the American College of Rheumatology, say that the benefit of COVID-19 vaccination outweighs any small, possible risks for new autoimmune reactions or disease flare after vaccination.

 Serious side effects are rare but may occur. A study from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that the frequency of adverse events in people with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases was similar to that of the general population. They did not find a notable increase in the likelihood of adverse events for people with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases in comparison to those without such diseases. Their results led them to conclude that COVID-19 vaccination was safe for patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

 People with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions are at increased risk for severe disease and hospitalization from COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 vaccination helps prevent these negative health outcomes. Please talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns before getting vaccinated.