Background/Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened concerns regarding the susceptibility of immunocompromised patients, particularly those with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Early recommendations from the Moroccan Society of Rheumatology endorsed COVID-19 vaccination for this vulnerable group. However, understanding the determinants influencing vaccination decisions among RA patients is crucial. This study aims to assess COVID-19 vaccination rates in RA patients and identify associated factors with non-vaccination to inform targeted vaccination strategies tailored to this specific population.

Objectives: To evaluate COVID-19 vaccination rates in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, identifying factors influencing non-vaccination to guide optimized immunization uptake strategies in this vulnerable cohort.

Methods: This monocentric cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2022 to January 2023, involving adult patients meeting the ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria for RA. Sociodemographic data, COVID-19 vaccination status, and RA characteristics were collected via physician-administered questionnaires. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations between RA characteristics and COVID-19 vaccination status. Statistical analyses were performed using JAMOVI software.

Results: A total of 200 patients were included, predominantly female (81.5%) with a mean age of 56 ± 10.8 years. The average disease duration was 8.4 ± 7.29 years. Among the patients, 169 (84.9%) received COVID-19 vaccination. Among those unvaccinated, 83.3% (25) were female (p = 0.76), with a mean age of 43 ± 5.73 years (p = 0.51). COVID-19 vaccination status correlated significantly with RA duration (OR = 1.03 per additional year of disease duration, p = 0.03), disease activity assessed by DAS28-CRP (OR = 0.66 per unit increase in DAS28-CRP, p = 0.03), and use of biologic therapies (OR = 1.23, p = 0.03).

Conclusion: These findings emphasize the necessity of tailored vaccination strategies for this high-risk population. Future guidelines should integrate these factors to enhance protection for patients with RA, thereby contributing to broader efforts in controlling viral transmission.

ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/unlocking-covid-19-vaccination-choices-in-rheumatoid-arthritis-insights-from-a-monocentric-study/