False: CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for 69-year-olds who have Rheumatoid Arthritis.

By: Varun Kumar
October 26 2021

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False: CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for 69-year-olds who have Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Fact-Check

The Verdict False

CDC has not recommended COVID-19 vaccines for people aged 69 and above who are on medication for rheumatic diseases.

Claim ID 052ac942

CDC has not recommended COVID-19 vaccines for people aged 69 and above who are on medication for rheumatic diseases.Mayo Clinic described Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as a chronic and inflammatory disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in one's body, causing inflammation in the affected areas. The hands, wrists, and knees are the most commonly affected joints by RA. The lining of the joint becomes inflamed, causing joint tissue damage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has only recommended COVID-19 vaccines for adults over 65 years to help them prevent getting sick from COVID-19. CDC did not release any official statement regarding vaccinating people of age 69 and above who have RA. CDC states that there is currently no information on the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccinations in patients with a history of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) or adults (MIS-A). The mechanisms of MIS-C and MIS-A are unknown. However, they appear to include a dysregulated immunological response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. It is unknown if patients who have had MIS-C or MIS-A in the past are at risk of having the same dysregulated immune response after reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 or in response to vaccination. The Department of Medicine at the Hospital for Special Surgery advised patients with rheumatic diseases against COVID-19 vaccinations. They examined the impact of the vaccine on persons with RD, and the collection of informative data is ongoing. The risks posed by vaccination appear minimal, unlike the risks of COVID-19. Patients receiving certain drugs to treat their RD, such as rituximab, may not develop an optimal anti-virus antibody response. It is strongly advised to consult with one's rheumatologist about acquiring a vaccine. The Arthritis Foundation states that during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital to get inoculated against common ailments such as influenza (flu), pneumonia, and shingles. The medications used to treat RA may increase the risk for infections and impair one's immune system's ability to fight illness. The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19, including symptoms, prevention, and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organization or your national healthcare authority.

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