Perspectives of patients with rheumatic diseases regarding vaccination for covid 19 in Argentina

ABSTRACT

Introduction: With regard to vaccines against COVID-19, patients with inflammatory, autoimmune or autoinflammatory rheumatic diseases and those who are immunosuppressed, had doubts about their situation regarding vaccination, and people with these conditions did not participate in clinical trials. Also, previous experience with current platforms is generally limited. Objective: To inform people with rheumatic diseases about vaccination for COVID-19 in Argentina and to measure the impact of the information on people with rheumatic diseases. Methods: The Argentine Society of Rheumatology (SAR) organized a live session on Reuma QuienSos, a SAR dependent page to provide information to patients. Specialists in rheumatology and infectious disease with extensive experience in patient care for these specialties participated in this event, providing information and answering questions about vaccination for COVID-19 in people with rheumatic diseases with information available so far, in addition a brief previous survey was conducted during the session and at the end of it. Results: 1900 people participated in the live session. There were 2400 comments, 997 reactions and it was shared 243 times. Within 7 days of the original post, the post reached 49,600 people. 465 people answered the previous survey and 433 the subsequent one. Before the session, 77% of those surveyed had considered getting vaccinated and at the end of the session this percentage increased to 95%, thus indicating an increase in acceptance of 22%. Prior to the session, only 35% received vaccination advice from their rheumatologist. The increased acceptance of the Sputnik V vaccine was dramatic after the information was provided in the live session. When univariate analysis was performed for age, sex and disease, no association was found with the questions asked in the survey. Conclusion: The information provided during this activity by SAR and professionals involved had a very important impact on the confidence of people with rheumatic diseases in relation to vaccination for COVID19.