ABSTRACT
The Spanish Society of Pneumonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) has elaborated this document of recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in patients with respiratory diseases aimed to help healthcare personnel make decisions about how to act in case of COVID-19 vaccination in these patients. The recommendations have been developed by a group of experts in this field after reviewing the materials published up to March 7, 2021, the information provided by different scientific societies, drug agencies and the strategies of the governmental bodies up to this date. We can conclude that COVID-19 vaccines are not only safe and effective, but also prior in vulnerable patients with chronic respiratory diseases. In addition, an active involvement of healthcare professionals, who manage these diseases, in the vaccination strategy is the key to achieve good adherence and high vaccination coverage.
ABSTRACT
SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause a range of respiratory sequelae, especially in patients who have had severe Covid-19 pneumonia. Given the high number of patients who have developed this infection over a short period of time, numerous post-Covid-19 follow-up visits are being carried out, but no clinical follow-up protocol has been established to advise on the complementary tests to be performed and the frequency of these procedures. This consensus document was drawn up by professionals from different areas of the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) in order to assist the clinician in identifying possible respiratory complications that may occur during the months following the acute disease, and to protocolize their follow-up and additional tests to be performed. It recommends examinations and interventions to be carried out at various stages in the post-Covid-19 period, and details the specific objectives of these procedures. Primarily, we aim to ensure that patients receive timely clinical follow-up, following a pre-established schedule that takes into account the severity of the disease and the likelihood of long-term sequelae. Another objective is to avoid overloading the health system by eschewing examinations and/or consultations that are, in many cases, unnecessary. Finally, we define criteria for referring patients with specific established sequelae (interstitial lung disease, pulmonary vascular disease, bronchiectasis) to the corresponding specialized units.