Is Sjögren's considered immunocompromised?

Are patients with Sjögren's Immunocompromised/Immunosuppressed? Not all Sjögren's patients have compromised immune systems. This specific risk factor is for those who regularly take drugs to suppress the immune system.

Are people with autoimmune diseases considered high risk for COVID-19?

Researchers have reported higher rates of severe COVID-19 and death in people with autoimmune disease than in the general population. It is unclear whether this is attributable to the autoimmune disease, the immunosuppressive medications taken to treat it, or both.

Can someone with autoimmune disease get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Unless one has a vanishingly rare allergy to vaccine adjuvants, those with rheumatic and other autoimmune diseases should have no qualms about COVID-19 vaccination, says Dr. V. Michael Holers, head of the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

What is an immunocompromised condition?

Immunocompromised condition or weakened immune system. Some people are immunocompromised or have a weakened immune system, because of a medical condition and treatment for the condition.

Are you at risk of experiencing an autoimmune disease flare-up from COVID-19 vaccine?

There is a risk that flare-ups may occur. That being said, it has been observed that people living with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions are at higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms from a COVID-19 infection.

Watch the November 18th Town Hall: Update on COVID-19, vaccinations and Sjögren's

Are long-term side effects possible with COVID-19 vaccination?

Serious side effects that could cause a long-term health problem are extremely unusual following any vaccination, including COVID-19 vaccination. The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the known and potential risks.

Should people with psoriasis get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. If you have psoriasis, you should get the COVID-19 vaccine — unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise. People with psoriasis may have other conditions (like diabetes or obesity) that increase their risk of a serious COVID-19 infection.

What are some exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine?

Some people may be at risk for an adverse reaction because of an allergy to one of the vaccine components or a medical condition. This is referred to as a medical exemption. Some people may decline vaccination because of a sincerely held religious belief. This is referred to as a religious exemption.

Which groups of people are at increased risks of severe illness from COVID-19?

Among adults, the risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults at highest risk. Severe illness means that the person with COVID-19 may require hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator to help them breathe, or they may even die. People of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are also at increased risk for severe illness from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Who are at higher risk of developing serious illness from COVID-19?

Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

Should you get vaccinated against COVID-19 if you have lupus & other autoimmune conditions?

The CDC and the ACR recommend that people with lupus and other autoimmune conditions get the vaccine, including an additional dose and a booster shot. Studies have also shown that the vaccine generally does not lead to increased disease activity in people with lupus.

What are the medical contraindications for the COVID-19 vaccine?

Medical contraindications to COVID-19 vaccination include immediate or severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or component of a COVID-19 vaccine or known allergy to a component of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Can COVID-19 symptoms be worse because of rheumatoid arthritis?

On the flip side, because of the reduced function of the immune system in rheumatoid arthritis and because some medications used to treat RA affect the immune system, symptoms of COVID-19 may be worse in RA patients.

Can taking immunosuppressants increase my chances of getting COVID-19?

And medicines called immunosuppressants may make you more likely to have serious complications from the virus, as can your autoimmune disorder itself

Can immunosuppressive drugs increase the risk of serious COVID-19 infection?

According to the study's authors, drug-induced immunosuppression could potentially elevate the risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms and hospitalization if these individuals become infected. Data for the study was gathered from more than 3 million patients with private insurance.

Is having a chronic liver disease considered as a higher risk for COVID-19 according to the CDC?

Having chronic liver disease can make you more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. Chronic liver disease can include alcohol-related liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, and cirrhosis (or scarring of the liver). Get more information: Liver Disease American Liver Foundation: Your Liver & COVID-19 Chronic lung diseases Having a chronic lung disease can make you more likely to get very sick from COVID-19.

What groups of people may experience stigma during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Some groups of people who may experience stigma during the COVID-19 pandemic include:

• Certain racial and ethnic minority groups, including Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and black or African Americans;
• People who tested positive for COVID-19, have recovered from being sick with COVID-19, or were released from COVID-19 quarantine;
• Emergency responders or healthcare providers;
• Other frontline workers, such as grocery store clerks, delivery drivers, or farm and food processing plant workers;
• People who have disabilities or developmental or behavioral disorders who may have difficulty following recommendations;
• People who have underlying health conditions that cause a cough;
• People living in congregate (group) settings, such as people experiencing homelessness.

Who is more likely to have "COVID-19 toes"?

The condition can show up at any age, but you may be more likely to get it if you're a child, teen, or a young adult. The American Academy of Dermatology says that young patients with COVID toes seem healthy, and many of them don't get more common symptoms of the virus.

Can COVID-19 spread through sexual intercourse?

Although COVID-19 has been detected in semen and feces, currently we do not think that the virus is spread through the sexual act. But, given that the virus is spread through respiratory droplets—which are much more likely to be shared when in close contact with another person—many sexual acts will be considered high risk. So, as the New York City Department of Health details in its safer sex and COVID-19 fact sheet, minimizing risks by exploring other avenues of meaningful interaction is suggested and recommended.

Do I qualify for an exception or can I apply for an exception to the COVID-19 vaccine requirement?

Categories of noncitizen, nonimmigrants that meet the criteria for an exception under the proclamation and CDC’s order include: Persons on diplomatic or official foreign government travel Children under 18 years of age Persons with documented medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine Participants in certain COVID-19 vaccine trials Persons issued a humanitarian or emergency exception Persons with valid visas [excluding B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visas] who are citizens of a foreign country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their spouses or children (under 18 years of age). Sea crew members traveling pursuant to a C-1 and D nonimmigrant visa Persons whose entry would be in the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State, Secretary of Transportation, or Secretary of Homeland Security (or their designees)

How do you know if you are allergic to the COVID-19 vaccine?

An immediate allergic reaction happens within 4 hours after getting vaccinated and could include symptoms such as hives, swelling, and wheezing (respiratory distress).

Can you have a late allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine?

Delayed urticarial reactions — Occasionally, patients develop a few hives and/or mild angioedema several hours or days after administration, as with other vaccines.

Do COVID-19 vaccines affect eczema?

To date, there is no robust evidence to indicate that Covid-19 vaccines make underlying skin conditions, including eczema, worse.

What medications should be avoided before the COVID-19 vaccine?

It is not recommended you take over-the-counter medicine – such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen – before vaccination for the purpose of trying to prevent vaccine-related side effects.

What are the severe allergic reactions to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines?

“Overall, severe allergic reactions to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, including life-threatening anaphylaxis reactions such as low blood pressure and difficulty breathing, are rare, on the order of five cases per million vaccine doses administered,” noted Dr. Guerrerio.