Second COVID-19 vaccine booster recommended for some psoriatic disease patients
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The National Psoriasis Foundation COVID-19 Task Force has updated its guidelines to recommend a second booster shot for some patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.
The task force previously recommended all patients with psoriatic disease receive both doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, as well as one booster.
In its most recent update, this recommendation was expanded to include a second booster dose for patients aged older than 60 years, those taking certain immunosuppressive medications, those with underlying comorbidities and those at an increased risk for COVID-19 exposure.
“The most important thing patients and clinicians need to know is that getting vaccinated and having the first booster is strongly recommended for all eligible patients with psoriatic disease,” Joel M. Gelfand, MD, MSCE, professor of dermatology and epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and co-chair of the National Psoriasis Foundation COVID-19 Task Force, told Healio. “In these updated guidelines, the task force provides recommendations to help guide shared decision making for a second booster. For patients older than 60, particularly if they have major comorbidities, a second booster will likely provide added protection from severe COVID-19.”
Patients are also urged to continue their biologic or oral psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis medication in most cases. Those on methotrexate should consult with their physicians and possibly hold their medication for 2 weeks after receiving a booster vaccine.