An unprecedented and large study from USP proves that the herpes zoster vaccine is safe for patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases, such as lupus and arthritis. The research was published in the journal The Lancet Rheumatology.
What you need to know
Research followed 1,192 patients with nine different diagnoses. The group included people with active disease — such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis — or who used medicines to lower immunity, called immunosuppressants.
The vaccine did not worsen pre-existing diseases. The rate of worsening in those vaccinated was 14%, a number equivalent to 15% in the group that received only placebo.
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