Patient-Reported Flare Symptoms Following COVID-19 Vaccination In Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

This study involving 324 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Bangkok, Thailand, found that 17% reported flare symptoms following COVID-19 vaccination, with joint pain, hair loss, fatigue, and myalgia being the most common. Most flares were mild, but 9% required hospitalization. Current prednisolone use was marginally associated with flare symptoms, while vaccine type and baseline disease activity were not. The findings suggest that COVID-19 vaccination is generally well-tolerated in SLE patients, which may help alleviate vaccine hesitancy in this population. The study emphasizes the value of patient-reported outcomes in understanding vaccine effects.