In addition to all the preventive measures such as physical distancing, mask-wearing, etc, the COVID-19 vaccines provide a powerful tool to curb the burgeoning of COVID-19. However, should patients who suffer from comorbidities like rheumatic diseases be vaccinated? Read the case study below and answer the questions that follow. Our expert, Dr Rohini Handa will evaluate your answers and provide the correct responses in the next part.

Study the following case and answer the questions that follow

(This is a special real life case. Please submit your responses before June 2, 2021 for our expert to evaluate them)

Mrs. MK, a 35-year- old patient with rheumatoid arthritis of 3 years duration,  is concerned about contracting COVID-19. Her husband is planning to get himself vaccinated. However, Mrs. MK has read about compromised immunity in autoimmune diseases and is unsure of whether she should go in for vaccination. Her joints are stable. Her reports state the following:

• Tender Joint Count 1/28
• Swollen Joint Count 0/28
• Haemoglobin: 11 Gm/dl
• TLC: 6000
• P65, L30, M3, E2, ESR 27, LFT and KFT WNL
• Rheumatoid factor 144 (<14)
• Anti-CCP 75 (<5)
• TSH 3.4

Her current medications include:

• Tab Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg, once daily
• Tab Methotrexate 15 mg, once a week
• Tab Folic acid 5 mg, once daily except on the day of methotrexate
• Tab Prednisolone 2.5 mg, once daily
• Tab Diclofenac 50 mg on SOS basis for pain

Mrs. MK would like to know about her vaccination eligibility, given the background of rheumatoid arthritis.

Disclaimer- The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of M3 India.

The author, Dr. Rohini Handa is a Senior Consultant Rheumatologist from Delhi.