Did you know that even with vaccination, Rheumatoid Arthritis patients are still vulnerable to Hepatitis B?
Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) could still be at risk for Hepatitis B infection despite vaccination. That was the conclusion of a study in which a majority of RA patients tested were not protected by the Hepatitis B vaccination, according to a press release from the European League against Rheumatism.
People with RA have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality from infections, and to discover that immunization might not confer protection is a real concern. It is crucial that patients and healthcare practitioners are aware of this lack of efficacy and do all they can to minimize risk.
It is always recommended to consult with your rheumatologist first before getting any vaccinations. It is very important to be aware that some vaccines are LIVE VACCINES and should be avoided when using immune-suppressing medication.
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