Effect of immunosuppressive agents on vaccine immunogenicity

Vaccinations are expected to confer adequate protection for most patients with rheumatic diseases who are using conventional synthetic DMARDs, most biologics, or glucocorticoids; however, the immune response to some vaccines may be blunted. The degree to which the immune response may be altered by these medications varies based on the specific immunosuppressive drug regimen, vaccines used, and other patient-specific factors. The effect of immunosuppressive agents on the immune responses to vaccines other than those listed above has not been well studied. Refer to the UpToDate text for additional detail.