[Medical Q&A] How do children with rheumatic autoimmunity diseases choose the timing and type of vaccination?

Author: Li Shipeng Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University

Reviewer: Li Caifeng, Chief Physician, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University

Children with rheumatic autoimmune diseases have a relatively high risk of infection due to the disease itself and the drugs used in the treatment process (such as hormones, immunosuppressants and biological agents). Vaccines are like adding a layer of protection to the body, which can improve children's resistance to specific pathogens and thus reduce the risk of infection. Therefore, it is particularly important for children with rheumatic diseases to be vaccinated properly.

When should children with rheumatic diseases be vaccinated?

Here is a simple rule: if the child's condition is in the active stage, it is recommended not to vaccinate for the time being, and wait until the condition stabilizes before considering vaccination. Once the child enters the stable stage, vaccination can be put on the agenda.

What vaccines can children with rheumatic diseases receive?

If a child is receiving treatment with hormones, immunosuppressants and biological agents and is in a stable period, he or she can be vaccinated with inactivated vaccines. It should be noted that the vaccination with live attenuated vaccines should be postponed during this stage.

For children who have completely stopped taking medication and whose condition is stable, all vaccines can be administered according to normal procedures 1 to 3 months after stopping medication.

In addition, it is recommended that children with stable rheumatic diseases receive influenza vaccination (and methotrexate should be delayed for 2 weeks after vaccination).