The COVID-19 vaccine and arthritis

With vaccines against COVID-19 beginning to roll out to more people across the country, there is light at the end of the pandemic tunnel.

If you’re among the six million Canadians with arthritis, you may have questions about the vaccines being approved for use in Canada.

“The Arthritis Society is continually speaking with experts and updating our communications to ensure we can give people the most current information and answers they need,” says Trish Barbato, president and CEO of the Arthritis Society.

The timeline for vaccinations, and how people will be prioritized to receive the vaccine, is being set by health officials in each province, so it could differ across the country.

The recommendations for individuals who are immunosuppressed or who have an autoimmune disease have been changing. If you have an inflammatory form of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, you should speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of receiving the vaccine.

Visit your provincial or territorial COVID-19 website for the latest information, as these vaccination programs are new and recommendations could change.

While you wait for the vaccine, it’s important to continue following public health guidelines, including maintaining physical distance, wearing a mask when you cannot do so and practicing good hygiene. And, as always, consult your doctor about any change in your health or any questions about your medications.

Find more information at arthritis.ca/covid19.