UK experts have proposed evidence-based management strategies for rheumatology patients on immunosuppressive therapy, including delaying or postponing rituximab, as appropriate.

In a commentary in Rheumatology, Dr Paul Emery of the University of Leeds and colleagues outline data on the effect of antirheumatic therapy on vaccine responses in patients with inflammatory arthritis.

One aim of their article was “to formulate a possible pragmatic strategy for the management of therapies in these patients in the context of prospective COVID-19 vaccination”, he said.

“But primarily we aim[ed] to facilitate an informed discussion between clinicians and patients in response to issues raised by these data.