Research continues to find that rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease flares, like those in lupus, are unlikely following a COVID-19 vaccine. In the most recently published study on the subject, just 11% of participants experienced a flare requiring treatment in the week following their first or second vaccine dose. There were no reports of severe flares.

The study included 1,377 people with various rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, including lupus. Of those with lupus who reported a flare, they most commonly reported worsening joint pain, fatigue and muscle pain. Flares were associated with the following factors:

• Prior COVID-19 diagnosis
• History of flare in the six months prior to the first vaccine dose
• Use of combination therapy (taking multiple drugs or therapeutic agents for a single disease)

The results are encouraging and come on the heels of another recently published study showing just 3% of people with lupus reported a medically confirmed flare shortly after COVID-19 vaccination. Consult your doctor regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and any questions you may have about it. Continue to follow the Lupus Foundation of America for breaking news about lupus and the novel coronavirus and learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and lupus.

Read the study