Holding DMARDs for COVID Vaccine Doesn't Boost Response, Raises Flares

The COVER randomized clinical trial examined whether temporarily holding biologic or JAK inhibitor therapy for 2 weeks around a supplemental COVID-19 vaccine dose improved antibody response in patients with inflammatory arthritis. The trial found no significant difference in humoral immunogenicity between those who held versus continued therapy, while holding therapy significantly increased the odds of disease flare, most pronounced among JAK inhibitor users, though flares resolved by 6 weeks. The authors concluded that routine interruption of these therapies at the time of COVID-19 vaccination is likely not warranted.

Most relevant for: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or axial spondylarthritis receiving biologic or JAK inhibitor therapy who are undergoing COVID-19 vaccination.

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