We are all aware of the importance of completing both doses of Covid-19 vaccines to get the best protection. In light of new variants, the push is on to get second doses as soon as possible.
A recent independent study of mRNA vaccine response in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was just published on June 8, 2021, in Lancet Rheumatology. This is a highly regarded and peer-reviewed journal. The study included 53 patients with RA (9 received the Moderna vaccine and 44 received the Pfizer vaccine.) The study showed that compared to a control group without RA, the response after one vaccine was significantly less and a second dose was needed to offer strong levels of protection.
This is further proof that you should try to arrange for an earlier second vaccine as soon as you are able to, instead of leaving it to the larger interval that the Ontario government initially laid out. People with autoimmune conditions need to be vigilant in getting their appointments as soon as possible. mRNA vaccines are arriving weekly at many community pharmacies. You do not have to go to the same location for a second dose if an appointment elsewhere can be arranged sooner. If you are unsure of when you will become eligible for an accelerated second dose, have a look at our last blog!
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