COVID-19 Vaccine Safety and Efficacy in Adolescents with Rheumatic Diseases

Strategic Insights -

A recent study on COVID-19 has shed light on the safety and efficacy of the BNT162b2 vaccine in adolescents with juvenile-onset autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRDs). The international, prospective, multicenter study conducted by researchers at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine in 91 patients with AIIRDs, who were primarily on chronic immunomodulatory therapy. The results demonstrated a good safety profile, with mild or no side effects reported by 96.7% of patients. However, three patients experienced transient acute symptoms, and the seropositivity rate was lower in the AIIRD group compared to healthy controls. Despite these results, the study concluded that vaccination of adolescents with AIIRDs is encouraged, even while on immunomodulation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved 91 patients with juvenile-onset AIIRDs and 40 healthy controls, who were evaluated for safety and immunogenicity after receiving the BNT162b2 vaccine.
  • 96.7% of patients reported mild or no side effects, while three patients experienced transient acute symptoms.
  • The seropositivity rate was 97.3% in the AIIRD group, which was significantly lower than the 100% rate among healthy controls.
  • Anti-spike S1/S2 IgG antibody levels were evaluated in 37 patients and 22 controls, showing lower titers in the AIIRD group compared to controls.
  • The study concluded that vaccination of adolescents with AIIRDs is encouraged, even while on immunomodulation.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the journal Rheumatology.

Statistics:

  • 91 patients with AIIRDs participated in the study.
  • 40 healthy controls were included in the study.
  • 242 (S.d. 136.4) vs 387.8 (57.3) BAU/ml, respectively; P = 0.01, showing significantly lower anti-S1/S2 antibody titers in the AIIRD group.
  • 97.3% seropositivity rate in the AIIRD group.
  • 100% seropositivity rate in healthy controls.
  • 3 patients experienced transient acute symptoms.
  • 96.7% of patients reported mild or no side effects.
  • 80% of patients were on chronic immunomodulatory therapy.

Sources:

  • Safety and Immunogenicity of Bnt162b2 Mrna Covid-19 Vaccine In Adolescents With Rheumatic Diseases Treated With Immunomodulatory Medications. Rheumatology, 2022;61(11):4263-4272.
  • Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center.
  • Oxford University Press.
  • Rheumatology.