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Article written by
Kelly Crumrin
On Friday, December 11, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of the first vaccine for the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Several other vaccine candidates are currently being developed and tested, and multiple vaccines may become available in the weeks and months ahead. MySpondylitisTeam will reach out to specialists in the days to come to find out what this means for people with spondylitis.
Members of MySpondylitisTeam share a variety of viewpoints regarding a COVID-19 vaccine. Some are eager to receive the vaccine as soon as it becomes available. “It is a non-living virus based vaccine. Great news!” wrote one member. Others expressed more caution. “I want to know how the vaccine interacts with biologic medications. What are the side effects?” asked another.
Your doctor knows all the details of your spondylitis, the treatments you take, and other aspects of your health history. This makes them the best source for guidance as you weigh the benefits and risks associated with the vaccine. Many MySpondylitisTeam members are already talking to their doctors about COVID-19 vaccines.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is reviewing clinical trial data on the COVID-19 vaccine to determine whether to recommend it and, if so, who should take it. The ACIP will consider factors like age, underlying medical conditions, race, and ethnicity. With vaccines on the way, people living with spondylitis will need accurate information to make decisions about being vaccinated against the coronavirus.
Here is what is known so far:
MySpondylitisTeam knows there are many questions that remain unanswered about COVID-19 vaccines. We will be reaching out to spondylitis specialists to find out the following:
Over the weeks to come, MySpondylitisTeam will provide updates as we learn more about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines for people with spondylitis, including those taking biologics.
What questions do you have about COVID-19 vaccines? Share them in the comments below.
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Kelly leads the creation of content that educates and empowers people with chronic illnesses. Learn more about her here. |
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A MySpondylitisTeam Member said:
I was on Humira, but had to stop, it gave me psoriasis terrible.
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