The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to have a considerable impact on providing appropriate care to people with psoriasis. There is currently great excitement about the potential initiation of vaccination programs for people at risk and the general population in many countries. While this news is to be welcomed, the impact of psoriasis therapy, mainly systemic therapy, on the effectiveness and safety of vaccines need to be considered.
Founded in 2004, the International Psoriasis Council (IPC) is a dermatology-led, voluntary, global, nonprofit organization with a network of more than 100 psoriasis experts, thought leaders, and professionals, dedicated to improving patient care around the globe.
The International Psoriasis Council (IPC) advises physicians and other healthcare practitioners to take into account the following:
- The principal considerations for SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are the same as for any vaccine: Avoid live-attenuated vaccines if receiving an immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory medication and be aware that vaccination’s effectiveness may be attenuated in people taking drugs that affect the immune system.
- Currently, the three vaccines closest to use at a population level are either RNA-based (Pfizer, BioNTech, Moderna) or based on the replication-deficient virus (Oxford or AstraZeneca). Thus, they are not live attenuated vaccines.
- We anticipate that most patients with psoriasis who do not have a contraindication or a known allergy to a vaccine component will be recommended to receive one of these SARS-CoV-2 vaccines as soon as possible based on local availability and guidance from local public health bodies.
- Trials have not included people taking drugs that affect the immune system, and thus the effects of the vaccines in this specific population will need to be established.
- Many people with psoriasis have raised concerns about the potential adverse effects of vaccines on their skin disease. However, there is no evidence that vaccines affect psoriasis onset or severity. Registry data should be collected to inform whether SARS-Cov-2 vaccines either positively or negatively affect psoriasis outcomes.
- All people with psoriasis must have access to adequate care. This includes access to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
- The IPC will continue to provide updates to the global dermatology community as we learn more about SARS-CoV-2, vaccines, and their impact on psoriasis.
For the latest information on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including prevention and signs and symptoms of the disease, refer to the World Health Organization (WHO) website.
