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Vaccination in children with immune-mediated disorders

Abstract

Objective:

To present an updated review of recommendations for the vaccination of children with immune-mediated diseases, with an emphasis on rheumatic and inflammatory diseases.

Source of data:

Studies published in the PubMed and Scielo databases between 2002 and 2022, Guidelines of Brazilian Scientific Societies, Manuals and Technical Notes of the Ministry of Health of Brazil, on current immunization schedules for special populations.

Data synthesis:

Immunosuppressive drugs and biological agents reduce the immunogenicity of vaccines and favor susceptibility to infections. The safety and efficacy of immunogens are important points for vaccination in children with immune-mediated diseases. The safety threshold of a vaccine applied to immunocompromised individuals can be reduced when compared to healthy individuals. Very often, the recommendations for the immunization of children with immunemediated diseases follow the recommendations for immunocompromised patients. Vaccination against COVID-19, on the other hand, should ideally occur when the disease is stabilized and in the absence of a low degree of immunosuppression. The patients should be informed about the possibility that the immunization may fail during treatment with immunosuppressants. Specific vaccination schedules should be considered to ensure better protection.

Conclusions:

Recent studies have allowed updating the recommendations on the safety and immunogenicity of vaccination in children with immune-mediated diseases, especially for live attenuated vaccines. There is a scarcity of data on the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in patients, particularly pediatric patients, with rheumatic diseases. The completion of ongoing studies is expected to help guide recommendations on COVID-19 vaccines in this group of patients.

KEYWORDS
Children with immune-mediated rheumatic/inflammatory diseases; Live attenuated vaccines; “Non-live” vaccines; Immunogenicity; Safety

Introduction

Vaccination is the most effective method to prevent infection, which is especially important in immunocompromised children treated with immunosuppressive and/or immunomodulatory therapies. Children with immune-mediated diseases are usually treated with these medications; therefore, infections pose a great risk to their health. Despite the understanding of the disease prevention relevance, vaccination coverage is not satisfactory in these children; the health professionals’ approach to vaccination could be improved and parents could be adequately advised on the importance of vaccination for their children.

Inactivated vaccines are generally recommended regardless of the immunomodulatory therapy. Vaccination with live attenuated vaccines is not recommended in patients using high doses of corticosteroids or other immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive drugs, including immunobiological. However, in cases of high risk of infection, vaccination with live vaccines may be considered on a case-by-case basis, weighing the risk of natural infection versus the presumed risk of the vaccination. The level of evidence for this approach is still low. The authors need clearer evidence on the safety and immunogenicity of live attenuated vaccines in children undergoing treatment with immunosuppressive drugs.

Vaccination in children with immune-mediated diseases

Children with immune-mediated diseases, particularly rheumatic/inflammatory diseases, including those treated with biologics, are at increased risk of developing severe infections due to the triggering of underlying inflammatory processes. Immunomodulatory therapy contributes, in part, to this picture of immune dysfunction and immunosuppression.11 Aygun D, Sahin S, Adrovic A, Barut K, Cokugras H, Camcoglu Y, et al. The frequency of infections in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis on biologic agents: a 1-year prospective study. Clin Rheumatol. 2019;38:1025–30.,22 Beukelman T, Xie F, Chen L, Baddley JW, Delzell E, Grijalva CG, et al. Rates of hospitalized bacterial infection associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and its treatment. Arthritis Rheum. 2012;64:2773–80.,33 Beukelman T, Xie F, Braddley JW, Chen L, Delzell E, Grijalva CG, et al. Brief report: incidence of selected opportunistic infections among children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2013;65:1384–9.

Many severe infections can be prevented with vaccination. Several studies have reported an increased incidence of infections, including severe ones, in pediatric rheumatic patients treated with biological therapy or synthetic drugs.44 Swart J, Giancane G, Horneff G, Magnusson B, Hofer M, Alexeeva E, et al. Pharmacovigilance in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients treated with biologic or synthetic drugs: combined data of more than 15,000 patients from Pharmachild and national registries. Arthritis Res Ther. 2018;20:285.,55 Leuvenink R, Aeschlimann F, Baer W, Berthet G, Cannizzaro E, Hofer M, et al. Clinical course and therapeutic approach to varicella zoster virus infection in children with rheumatic autoimmune diseases under immunosuppression. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J. 2016;14:34.

However, the immunization coverage in children with immune-mediated diseases is far from ideal and is significantly lower when compared to the general population. A Slovenian study observed that approximately 35% of children with pediatric rheumatic diseases followed at the Children’s Hospital of the University of Ljubljana have an incomplete vaccination schedule, being more susceptible to diseases preventable by immunization.66 Bizjak M, Blazina Š, Zajc Avramovič M, Markelj G, Avčin T, Toplak N. Vaccination coverage in children with rheumatic diseases. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2020;38:164-70.

Among the most neglected vaccines were hepatitis B (HBV) and the second dose of the vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).66 Bizjak M, Blazina Š, Zajc Avramovič M, Markelj G, Avčin T, Toplak N. Vaccination coverage in children with rheumatic diseases. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2020;38:164-70. Children with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases should receive additional doses of the pneumococcal vaccine, in addition to being immunized against influenza annually. However, the Slovenian study showed that vaccination coverage for influenza was only 10% and only 4% for pneumococcal infections in children whose parents answered the questionnaire.66 Bizjak M, Blazina Š, Zajc Avramovič M, Markelj G, Avčin T, Toplak N. Vaccination coverage in children with rheumatic diseases. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2020;38:164-70. It should be noted that both vaccines are “non-live” ones and are recommended for all children with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases.77 Heijstek MW, Ott de Bruin LM, Bijl M, Borrow R, van der Klis F, Kone-Paut I, et al. EULAR recommendations for vaccination in paediatric patients with rheumatic diseases. Ann Rheum Dis. 2011;70:1704–12.

In Brazil, the National Immunization Program (PNI, Programa Nacional de Imunizações) has a history of success due to several immunization strategies that expand universal access to immunization for the entire population. Among these initiatives, the Reference Centers for Special Immunobiologicals were created, i.e., the CRIE (Centros de Referência para Imunobiológicos Especiais), which are centers that consist of specific infrastructure and logistics, aimed at the care of people with special clinical conditions, including immunosuppressed children with immune-mediated diseases. Therefore, some important vaccines offered free of charge at Reference Centers stand out, such as the 23-valent pneumococcal, hepatitis A, meningococcal C and diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccines.88 Sociedade Brasileira de Imunizações – SBIm. Calendários de vacinação SBIm pacientes especiais – 2021-2022. SBIm 2021. [cited 2022 Nov 1. Available from: https://sbim.org.br/noticias/1445-lancada-edicao-2021-2022-dos-calendarios-de-vacinacao-sbim-pacientes-especiais.
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Recommendations for the vaccination of children with immune-mediated rheumatic/inflammatory diseases

Recommendations regarding vaccination in children with immune-mediated diseases are well-established for pediatric patients with autoimmune/inflammatory rheumatic diseases (pedAIIRD). Recently, the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) published an update of recommendations for the vaccination of children with rheumatic diseases. This update took into account new studies on the safety of live attenuated vaccines and vaccine immunogenicity in patients treated with new anti-rheumatic drugs.99 Jansen MH, Rondaan C, Legger GE, Minden K, Uziel Y, Toplak N, et al. EULAR/PRES recommendations for vaccination of paediatric patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases: update 2021. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022. annrheumdis-2022-222574. This update addresses three important aspects of vaccine safety: absence of serious adverse effects, nonaggravation of the underlying disease, and non-triggering of infections in the case of live attenuated vaccines.

In the recommendations, the term "immunosuppressed" is used for pediatric patients using the immunosuppressive drugs described in Table 1. In addition, pedAIIRD use DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), or target-specific disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (tsDMARDs). Finally, patients were also considered immunosuppressed when using a combination of the abovementioned drugs and, in the table, at any dose.99 Jansen MH, Rondaan C, Legger GE, Minden K, Uziel Y, Toplak N, et al. EULAR/PRES recommendations for vaccination of paediatric patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases: update 2021. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022. annrheumdis-2022-222574.

Table 1
Medications and doses used for the classification of pedAIIRD patients as immunosuppressed.

Recommendations for inactivated (“non-live”) vaccines

“Non-live” vaccines include inactivated, subunit, toxoid, purified polysaccharides, purified polysaccharides conjugated to proteins, or fragmented vaccines.

Influenza vaccine

Immunization with the influenza vaccine is strongly recommended for all patients treated with immunosuppressive therapies.1010 Brazil. Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilancia em Saude. Departamento de Vigilancia das Doencas Transmissíveis. Manual dos Centros de Referência para Imunobiológicos Especiais. 5ªed. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2019. This recommendation was based on studies carried out in adult patients, whose results were extrapolated to support influenza vaccination in pediatric patients using glucocorticoids or DMARDs.77 Heijstek MW, Ott de Bruin LM, Bijl M, Borrow R, van der Klis F, Kone-Paut I, et al. EULAR recommendations for vaccination in paediatric patients with rheumatic diseases. Ann Rheum Dis. 2011;70:1704–12.,1111 Hak E, Nordin J, Wei F, Mullooly J, Poblete S, Strikas R, et al. Influence of high-risk medical conditions on the effectiveness of influenza vaccination among elderly members of 3 large managed-care organizations. Clin Infect Dis. 2002;35:370–7.,1212 Blumentals WA, Arreglado A, Napalkov P, Toovey S. Rheumatoid arthritis and the incidence of influenza and influenza-related complications: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2012;13:158.,1313 Aikawa N, Goldenstein-Schainberg C, Vendramini M, Campos L, Saad C, Moraes J, et al. PReS-FINAL-2177: safety and lack of autoantibody production following influenza H1N1 vaccination in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Pediatr Rheumatol. 2013;11:O12.

The influenza vaccine is well tolerated and induces a humoral response that protects against infections. The seroprotection rates observed in pedAIIRD patients did not differ from those observed in healthy individuals, except in those patients using high doses of glucocorticoids1313 Aikawa N, Goldenstein-Schainberg C, Vendramini M, Campos L, Saad C, Moraes J, et al. PReS-FINAL-2177: safety and lack of autoantibody production following influenza H1N1 vaccination in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Pediatr Rheumatol. 2013;11:O12. and patients with juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE), mainly in the exacerbated active phase of the disease.1414 Shinoki T, Hara R, Kaneko U, Miyamae T, Imagawa T, Mori M, et al. Safety and response to influenza vaccine in patients with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis receiving tocilizumab. Mod Rheumatol. 2012;22:871–6. Differences in seroprotection were not observed in patients treated with bDMARDs (TNFi and anti-IL6) and healthy subjects, either. However, those using TNF1 showed a lower amount of specific antibodies and rapidly declining seroprotection.1414 Shinoki T, Hara R, Kaneko U, Miyamae T, Imagawa T, Mori M, et al. Safety and response to influenza vaccine in patients with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis receiving tocilizumab. Mod Rheumatol. 2012;22:871–6.,1515 Dell'Era L, Corona F, Daleno C, Scala A, Principi N, Esposito S. Immunogenicity, safety and tolerability of MF59-adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccine in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Vaccine. 2012 Jan;30:936–40.

Therefore, influenza vaccination in pedAIIRD patients is safe and immunogenic. Since this group of patients has an increased risk of infections and complications, vaccination with the inactivated vaccine is strongly recommended in individuals who are being treated with immunosuppressants. On the other hand, the live attenuated influenza vaccine should be avoided in immunocompromised children.

Pneumococcal vaccine

Due to the relatively high incidence of infections in all age groups caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, and also due to the high mortality, morbidity, and treatment costs, vaccination against this pathogen is a priority for the World Health Organization (WHO).1616 World Health Organization (WHO). Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in infants and children under 5 years of age: who position paper – February 2019.

According to the EULAR, vaccination against this pathogen using the 10-valent (PCV10) or 13-valent (PCV13) pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended in all unvaccinated pedAIIRD patients.99 Jansen MH, Rondaan C, Legger GE, Minden K, Uziel Y, Toplak N, et al. EULAR/PRES recommendations for vaccination of paediatric patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases: update 2021. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022. annrheumdis-2022-222574.

Previous studies, carried out with the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7), proved the efficacy of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in immunocompromised patients, including AIIRD.1717 Nagel J, Geborek P, Saxne T, Jönsson G, Englund M, Petersson IF, et al. The risk of pneumococcal infections after immunization with pneumococcal conjugate vaccine compared to non-vaccinated inflammatory arthritis patients. Scand J Rheumatol. 2015;44:271–9.,1818 Shigayeva A, Rudnick W, Green K, Chen DK, Demczuk W, Gold WL, et al. Toronto Invasive Bacterial Diseases Network. Invasive pneumococcal disease among immunocompromised persons: implications for vaccination programs. Clin Infect Dis. 2016;62:139–47. The conjugate vaccines showed good immunogenicity and safety in pedAIIRD, including those using MTX and glucocorticoids. Moreover, children on TNFi therapy showed seroprotection similar to the control group1919 Banaszkiewicz A, Targońska B, Kowalska-Duplaga K, Karolewska-Bochenek K, Sieczkowska A, GawrońskaA, etal. Immunogenicity of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2015;21:1607–14. but may have lower concentrations of specific antibodies.2020 Farmaki E, Kanakoudi-Tsakalidou F, Spoulou V, Trachana M, Pratsidou-Gertsi P, Tritsoni M, et al. The effect of anti-TNF treatment on the immunogenicity and safety of the 7-valent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Vaccine. 2010;28:5109–13.

The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV-23) induces weak or absent responses in children younger than two years. Thus, the indication for PPSV-23 depends on the risk of developing severe pneumococcal infections in pedAIIRD, which are not covered by PCV10/13 vaccines, especially in children over two years of age.

There is a scarcity of studies on the effectiveness of the PPSV-23 vaccine in preventing invasive pneumococcal disease. Two studies with a small cohort confirmed the safety of this vaccine in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA, n = 27)2121 Alyasin S, Adab M, Hosseinpour A, Amin R, Babaei M. Immunogenicity of 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine in children with systemic lupus erythematosus. Iran J Immunol. 2016;13:204–19. and jSLE (n = 30).2222 Aikawa NE, Franca IL, Ribeiro AC, Sallum AM, Bonfa E, Silva CA. Short and long-term immunogenicity and safety following the 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients under conventional DMARDs with or without anti-TNF therapy. Vaccine. 2015;33:604–9. In JIA patients, the vaccine showed moderate immunogenicity. The observed seroconversion was 53% in patients using MTX and 30% in those using a combination of MTX and TNFi.2121 Alyasin S, Adab M, Hosseinpour A, Amin R, Babaei M. Immunogenicity of 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine in children with systemic lupus erythematosus. Iran J Immunol. 2016;13:204–19. In jSLE, the observed seroprotection was 77%, compared to 86% in healthy controls.2222 Aikawa NE, Franca IL, Ribeiro AC, Sallum AM, Bonfa E, Silva CA. Short and long-term immunogenicity and safety following the 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients under conventional DMARDs with or without anti-TNF therapy. Vaccine. 2015;33:604–9.

Therefore, immunization with PCV10/13 is recommended for all children, including patients with pedAIIRD. Vaccination with PPSV-23 is recommended in the Brazilian vaccination calendar according to age and should be considered in immunosuppressed patients and with those with SLE.88 Sociedade Brasileira de Imunizações – SBIm. Calendários de vacinação SBIm pacientes especiais – 2021-2022. SBIm 2021. [cited 2022 Nov 1. Available from: https://sbim.org.br/noticias/1445-lancada-edicao-2021-2022-dos-calendarios-de-vacinacao-sbim-pacientes-especiais.
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According to the EULAR guidelines, the use of PPSV-23 in cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) should be avoided for safety reasons.

Tetanus vaccine

The tetanus vaccination in pedAIIRD should be given according to recommendations for the general population.99 Jansen MH, Rondaan C, Legger GE, Minden K, Uziel Y, Toplak N, et al. EULAR/PRES recommendations for vaccination of paediatric patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases: update 2021. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022. annrheumdis-2022-222574.

Some studies have observed low titers of antibodies against tetanus toxoid several years after the immunization.2323 Embree J, Law B, Voloshen T, Tomovici A. Immunogenicity, safety, and antibody persistence at 3, 5, and 10 years postvaccination in adolescents randomized to booster immunization with a combined tetanus, diphtheria, 5-component acellular pertussis, and inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine administered with a hepatitis B virus vaccine concurrently or 1 month apart. Clin Vaccine Immunol. 2015;22:282–90. Therefore, booster doses should be given to pedAIIRD patients when necessary. The tetanus vaccine is safe, and no adverse events (AEs) have been observed after the vaccination.2424 Brunner HI, Tzaribachev N, Cornejo GV, Joos R, Gervais E, Cimaz R, et al. Maintenance of antibody response to diphtheria/tetanus vaccine in patients aged 2-5 years with polyarticular-course juvenile idiopathic arthritis receiving subcutaneous abatacept. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J. 2020;18:19.

Moreover, when tetanus immunization is necessary, passive immunization is recommended for patients receiving B-cell depletion therapy within the past six months.99 Jansen MH, Rondaan C, Legger GE, Minden K, Uziel Y, Toplak N, et al. EULAR/PRES recommendations for vaccination of paediatric patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases: update 2021. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022. annrheumdis-2022-222574.

Vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV)

Protection against HPV infection is especially important in patients with SLE since they are at greater risk of having persistent infections with this virus. These infections increase the risk of squamous intraepithelial lesions and cervical cancer.99 Jansen MH, Rondaan C, Legger GE, Minden K, Uziel Y, Toplak N, et al. EULAR/PRES recommendations for vaccination of paediatric patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases: update 2021. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022. annrheumdis-2022-222574.

Several studies reported similar levels of antibody responses in most pedAIIRD patients vaccinated against HPV when compared to healthy individuals, being well tolerated by children and adolescents.2525 Heijstek MW, Scherpenisse M, Groot N, Tacke C, Schepp RM, Buisman AM, et al. Immunogenicity and safety of the bivalent HPV vaccine in female patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a prospective controlled observational cohort study. Ann Rheum Dis. 2014;73:1500-7.,2626 Soybilgic A, Onel KB, Utset T, Alexander K, Wagner-Weiner L. Safety and immunogenicity of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine in female Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients aged 12 to 26 years. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J. 2013;11:29.,2727 Esposito S, Corona F, Barzon L, Cuoco F, Squarzon L, Marcati G, et al. Immunogenicity, safety and tolerability of a bivalent human papillomavirus vaccine in adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Expert Rev Vaccines. 2014;13:1387–93.

Based on the increased risk of persistent high-risk HPV infections and premalignant lesions in patients with SLE, acceptable safety, and the good seroprotection rate, vaccination against HPV is highly recommended in unvaccinated jSLE patients.

Recommendations for live attenuated vaccines

Vaccines can also be produced from live attenuated microorganisms, presenting some risk of triggering the disease, especially in immunocompromised patients.

In Brazil, scientific societies do not recommend the immunization of people with rheumatological and autoimmune diseases with severe immunosuppression, for the following attenuated live vaccines: BCG, rotavirus, oral polio vaccine (OPV), yellow fever, MMR, varicella, MMR-V, attenuated herpes zoster and dengue. For moderately immunocompromised individuals, it is recommended to evaluate clinical parameters and the local epidemiological risk to decide whether or not to vaccinate with live attenuated vaccines.88 Sociedade Brasileira de Imunizações – SBIm. Calendários de vacinação SBIm pacientes especiais – 2021-2022. SBIm 2021. [cited 2022 Nov 1. Available from: https://sbim.org.br/noticias/1445-lancada-edicao-2021-2022-dos-calendarios-de-vacinacao-sbim-pacientes-especiais.
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The EULAR recommendations discussed below are specific to systemic live attenuated vaccines administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously. Safety studies in pedAIIRD patients for mucosal vaccines (e.g., influenza and rotavirus) are not yet available.99 Jansen MH, Rondaan C, Legger GE, Minden K, Uziel Y, Toplak N, et al. EULAR/PRES recommendations for vaccination of paediatric patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases: update 2021. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022. annrheumdis-2022-222574.

Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR)

There are two recommendations regarding booster doses of MMR vaccine for pedAIIRD patients.

The first concerns administering MMR booster doses in patients using MTX. In patients with JIA, the booster dose with the attenuated virus-induced protection, without causing the disease. There was a significant increase in antibody concentrations, indicating seroprotection.2828 Shinefield HR, Black SB, Staehle BO, Matthews H, Adelman T, Ensor K, et al. Vaccination with measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and varicella vaccine: safety, tolerability, immunogenicity, persistence of antibody and duration of protection against varicella in healthy children. Pediatr Infect Dis. J. 2002;21:555-61.

The second informs that booster doses of the MMR vaccine can be considered in patients treated with low doses of glucocorticoids or therapies with TNFi, anti-IL1, and anti-IL6. Several studies have shown the safety of booster doses of MMR in pedAIIRD patients using bDMARDs, including a multicenter study (n = 234 patients). There was no triggering of infection associated with this vaccine. Thirteen mild AEs (local skin reaction, fever, and pain) were reported. There was no occurrence of any moderate or severe AE.99 Jansen MH, Rondaan C, Legger GE, Minden K, Uziel Y, Toplak N, et al. EULAR/PRES recommendations for vaccination of paediatric patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases: update 2021. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022. annrheumdis-2022-222574.,2929 Uziel Y, Moshe V, Onozo B, Kulcsár A, Tróbert-Sipos D, Akikusa JD, et al. Live attenuated MMR/V booster vaccines in children with rheumatic diseases on immunosuppressive therapy are safe: multicenter, retrospective data collection. Vaccine. 2020;38:2198–201.

Varicella vaccine

Immunocompromised individuals are at greater risk of complications after infection with the Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), including secondary bacterial infection of skin lesions, pneumonia, encephalitis, hepatitis, or hemorrhagic complications, increasing the risk of hospitalizations.99 Jansen MH, Rondaan C, Legger GE, Minden K, Uziel Y, Toplak N, et al. EULAR/PRES recommendations for vaccination of paediatric patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases: update 2021. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022. annrheumdis-2022-222574.,3030 Edmunds WJ, Brisson M. The effect of vaccination on the epidemiology of varicella zoster virus. J Infect. 2002;44:211–9. The pedAIIRD children who have not yet had contact with the virus are very susceptible to infections.

Vaccination with the VZV vaccine showed good immunogenicity and safety in pedAIIRD patients. A humoral response was induced in most patients and VZV-specific T-cell responses were comparable between pedAIIRD patients and healthy controls.3131 Barbosa CM, Terreri MT, Rosario PO, de Moraes-Pinto MI, Silva CA, Hilário MO. Immune response and tolerability of varicella vaccine in children and adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus previously exposed to varicella-zoster virus. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2012;30:791–8.,3232 Groot N, Pileggi G, Sandoval CB, Grein I, Berbers G, Ferriani VPL, et al. Varicella vaccination elicits a humoral and cellular response in children with rheumatic diseases using immune suppressive treatment. Vaccine. 2017;35:2818–22.

The safety of this live attenuated vaccine is extremely important in patients who have not yet had contact with the virus. Studies have shown that vaccination in this group of patients, including those on low-dose glucocorticoids, MTX, and bDMARDs (TNFi, anti-IL6, and anti-IL1), did not show complicated or disseminated varicella infections. Three patients had a mild rash similar to VZV, and one underwent intravenous treatment with acyclovir for safety reasons.3131 Barbosa CM, Terreri MT, Rosario PO, de Moraes-Pinto MI, Silva CA, Hilário MO. Immune response and tolerability of varicella vaccine in children and adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus previously exposed to varicella-zoster virus. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2012;30:791–8.,3232 Groot N, Pileggi G, Sandoval CB, Grein I, Berbers G, Ferriani VPL, et al. Varicella vaccination elicits a humoral and cellular response in children with rheumatic diseases using immune suppressive treatment. Vaccine. 2017;35:2818–22.

Therefore, vaccination against VZV is strongly recommended in patients who are not yet vaccinated or infected with the virus and who are taking MTX. Likewise, vaccination may be considered in these patients when they are treated with low-dose glucocorticoids, TNFi, anti-IL1, and anti-IL6 therapy.99 Jansen MH, Rondaan C, Legger GE, Minden K, Uziel Y, Toplak N, et al. EULAR/PRES recommendations for vaccination of paediatric patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases: update 2021. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022. annrheumdis-2022-222574.

Yellow fever vaccine

There are no data in the literature on the safety of primary immunization of immunosuppressed pedAIIRD patients with the yellow fever vaccine.99 Jansen MH, Rondaan C, Legger GE, Minden K, Uziel Y, Toplak N, et al. EULAR/PRES recommendations for vaccination of paediatric patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases: update 2021. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022. annrheumdis-2022-222574. In general, the yellow fever vaccine (YFV) is contraindicated in immunocompromised individuals.

In Brazil, given the epidemiological situation of high risk of exposure to the yellow fever virus, the vaccination can be considered after medical evaluation in a certain group of immunocompromised rheumatic patients. When indicated, it is recommended not to apply the yellow fever vaccine concomitantly with other attenuated live virus vaccines, considering a minimum interval of 28 days between this vaccine and, for instance, the triple viral vaccine (MMR). Additionally, there is no contraindication to the vaccine for people living with immunocompromised patients.1010 Brazil. Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilancia em Saude. Departamento de Vigilancia das Doencas Transmissíveis. Manual dos Centros de Referência para Imunobiológicos Especiais. 5ªed. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2019.,3333 Pileggi GS, Da Mota LMH, Kakehasi AM, De Souza AW, Rocha A, de Melo AKG, et al. Brazilian recommendations on the safety and effectiveness of the yellow fever vaccination in patients with chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Adv Rheumatol. 2019;59:17.

The use of biologics and immunosuppressants contraindicates the yellow fever vaccine; however, given the epidemiological risk context, the vaccine can be administered, depending on the immunological condition of the underlying disease, three months after drug withdrawal (DMRADs), and at least six to twelve months after therapy with anti-B-cell antibodies (e.g., rituximab).1010 Brazil. Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilancia em Saude. Departamento de Vigilancia das Doencas Transmissíveis. Manual dos Centros de Referência para Imunobiológicos Especiais. 5ªed. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2019. The drug withdrawal for this purpose should be carefully evaluated by a specialist to consider the benefits of vaccination in this population and the potential risk of disease decompensation due to drug withdrawal (Table 2).3333 Pileggi GS, Da Mota LMH, Kakehasi AM, De Souza AW, Rocha A, de Melo AKG, et al. Brazilian recommendations on the safety and effectiveness of the yellow fever vaccination in patients with chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Adv Rheumatol. 2019;59:17.

Table 2
Recommended minimum interval between discontinuation of immunosuppressive therapy and administration of YFV in patients with chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (Adapted from Pillegi et al., 2019).3333 Pileggi GS, Da Mota LMH, Kakehasi AM, De Souza AW, Rocha A, de Melo AKG, et al. Brazilian recommendations on the safety and effectiveness of the yellow fever vaccination in patients with chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Adv Rheumatol. 2019;59:17.

Regarding disease activity, the vaccine should not be administered if the individual has a decompensated underlying disease or if the disease is highly active. Children with stable, controlled, and low-activity diseases may receive the vaccine if recommended.3333 Pileggi GS, Da Mota LMH, Kakehasi AM, De Souza AW, Rocha A, de Melo AKG, et al. Brazilian recommendations on the safety and effectiveness of the yellow fever vaccination in patients with chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Adv Rheumatol. 2019;59:17.

Vaccination in patients with rheumatic and autoimmune diseases in Brazil

The immunization of people with chronic diseases is a very complex matter, with different recommendations depending on each disease, clinical condition, and availability of immunobiological in public and private services. The Brazilian Society of Immunizations (SBIm, Sociedade Brasileira de Imunizações) recently published an update of the vaccination schedule for special patients (Calendar 2021-2022), which lists the main recommendations for the immunization of patients with rheumatological and autoimmune diseases (Table 3).88 Sociedade Brasileira de Imunizações – SBIm. Calendários de vacinação SBIm pacientes especiais – 2021-2022. SBIm 2021. [cited 2022 Nov 1. Available from: https://sbim.org.br/noticias/1445-lancada-edicao-2021-2022-dos-calendarios-de-vacinacao-sbim-pacientes-especiais.
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Table 3
Vaccines recommended for patients with rheumatological and autoimmune diseases (adapted from SBIm, 2021).88 Sociedade Brasileira de Imunizações – SBIm. Calendários de vacinação SBIm pacientes especiais – 2021-2022. SBIm 2021. [cited 2022 Nov 1. Available from: https://sbim.org.br/noticias/1445-lancada-edicao-2021-2022-dos-calendarios-de-vacinacao-sbim-pacientes-especiais.
https://sbim.org.br/noticias/1445-lancad...

COVID-19 vaccines in children with immunemediated rheumatic diseases

During the pandemic, despite the fact that children and adolescents more frequently developed the asymptomatic and oligosymptomatic forms of COVID-19, which would lead to a lower rate of identification and, consequently, testing, it was observed that children and adolescents had a lower number and severity of symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to adults, and they are also less likely to develop severe COVID-19 than adults.3434 World Health Organization (WHO). COVID-19 disease in children and adolescents: scientific brief, 29 September 2021. [Cited 2022 Nov 15]. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-2019-nCoV-Sci_Brief-Children_and_adolescents-2021.1.
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/...

Although the clinical presentation of COVID-19 is milder in children compared to adults and the elderly, underlying medical conditions may contribute to the risk of severe illness, when compared to children without underlying diseases.3434 World Health Organization (WHO). COVID-19 disease in children and adolescents: scientific brief, 29 September 2021. [Cited 2022 Nov 15]. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-2019-nCoV-Sci_Brief-Children_and_adolescents-2021.1.
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/...

The SARS-CoV-2 virus can trigger a late manifestation of the disease known as a multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. This picture is characterized by high and persistent fever, with gastrointestinal, dermatocutaneous, and circulatory manifestations, among others.3535 Kabeerdoss J, Pilania RK, Karkhele R, Kumar TS, Danda D, Singh S. Severe COVID-19, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, and Kawasaki disease: immunological mechanisms, clinical manifestations and management. Rheumatol Int. 2021;41:19–32.

In addition to severe illness, children and adolescents may experience prolonged clinical symptoms (known as “long COVID-19,” post-COVID-19 illness, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection), with the frequency and the characteristics of these diseases still being under investigation. A study in the United Kingdom showed that 7-8% of children who had COVID-19 persisted with some symptoms for more than 12 weeks of illness, including fatigue, insomnia, muscle pain, cough, and difficulty concentrating. Such changes directly impact the quality of life, including social and school life.3636 Office for National Statistics’ website. Prevalence of ongoing symptoms following coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in the UK. Retrieved on September 17, 2021. [Cited 2022 Nov 15]. Available from: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/conditionsanddiseases.
https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationa...

With the aim of guiding health professionals about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in children with rheumatological diseases, the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology carried out a task force to reach a consensus on vaccination in this group of patients. The document emphasizes that the recommendations are not intended to replace clinical judgment, and the decision to vaccinate must be individualized and shared between patients and rheumatologists.3737 Tavares AC, de Melo AK, Cruz VA, de Souza VA, de Carvalho JS, Machado LL, et al. Guidelines on COVID-19 vaccination in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases: a Brazilian Society of Rheumatology task force. Adv Rheumatol. 2022;62:3.

Among the recommendations, it is highlighted that, due to the risk of contracting COVID-19, patients should be encouraged to be immunized, based on a shared decision. The best time to get vaccinated should be individualized, considering the patient's age, type of rheumatic disease they have, and treatment, thus optimizing the vaccine response. It should also be noted that the vaccine against COVID-19 can be administered simultaneously with other vaccines in this group of patients.3737 Tavares AC, de Melo AK, Cruz VA, de Souza VA, de Carvalho JS, Machado LL, et al. Guidelines on COVID-19 vaccination in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases: a Brazilian Society of Rheumatology task force. Adv Rheumatol. 2022;62:3.

Ideally, the vaccination against COVID-19 should occur when the disease is stabilized and in the absence of or with a low degree of immunosuppression. Patients should be informed about the possibility of immunization failure in case of immunosuppressive treatment.3737 Tavares AC, de Melo AK, Cruz VA, de Souza VA, de Carvalho JS, Machado LL, et al. Guidelines on COVID-19 vaccination in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases: a Brazilian Society of Rheumatology task force. Adv Rheumatol. 2022;62:3.

Additionally, the immunomodulatory treatment should not be discontinued before or after the vaccination, except for agents that lead to B-cell depletion. In this case, ideally, immunization should occur at least six months after the last dose of rituximab and four weeks before the next dose, considering the full vaccination schedule. This recommendation must be followed at least for the first dose of the vaccine.3737 Tavares AC, de Melo AK, Cruz VA, de Souza VA, de Carvalho JS, Machado LL, et al. Guidelines on COVID-19 vaccination in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases: a Brazilian Society of Rheumatology task force. Adv Rheumatol. 2022;62:3.

An additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine should be considered in immunocompromised patients and it is recommended that this dose be given on the same platform as the primary schedule. In addition, a booster dose is recommended, preferably with the mRNA platform (Pfizer-BioNTech) for all persons over 12 years of age.3838 Brazil. Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde Departamento de Imunização e Doenças Transmissíveis Coordenação-Geral do Programa Nacional de Imunizações NOTA TÉCNICA Nº 221/2022-CGPNI/DEIDT/SVS/MS. [Cited 2022 Nov 15]. Available from: https://www.gov.br/saude/pt-br/corona-virus/notas-tecnicas/2022/nota-tecnica-221-2022-cgpni-deidt-svs-ms/view.
https://www.gov.br/saude/pt-br/corona-vi...
The temporary interruption of immunomodulatory therapies (including rituximab) is not recommended during the performance of the vaccination schedule, under the risk of the individual going into a crisis or decompensating their underlying disease.3737 Tavares AC, de Melo AK, Cruz VA, de Souza VA, de Carvalho JS, Machado LL, et al. Guidelines on COVID-19 vaccination in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases: a Brazilian Society of Rheumatology task force. Adv Rheumatol. 2022;62:3.

The immunization schedule for COVID-19 vaccines currently recommended by the National Immunization Program (PNI, Programa Nacional de Imunizações) for children and adolescents is as follows:

  • (i) Children aged six months to less than three years of age with comorbidities, including immunocompromised ones: three doses of mRNA vaccine (pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech) with four-week intervals between the first two doses and eight weeks between the second and third doses;3939 Brazil. Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde Departamento de Imunização e Doenças Transmissíveis Coordenação-Geral do Programa Nacional de Imunizações NOTA TÉCNICA Nº 114/2022-CGPNI/DEIDT/SVS/MS. [Cited 2022 Nov 15]. Available from: https://www.gov.br/saude/pt-br/corona-virus/notas-tecnicas/2022/nota-tecnica-no-114-2022-deidt-svs-ms/view.
    https://www.gov.br/saude/pt-br/corona-vi...

  • (ii) Immunocompromised children aged three to four years: two doses of the CoronaVac vaccine with a 4-week interval between the doses;4040 Brazil. Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde Departamento de Imunização e Doenças Transmissíveis Coordenação-Geral do Programa Nacional de Imunizaçõoes. Nota técnica nº 213/2022-CGPNI/DEIDT/SVS/MS. [Cited 2022 Nov 15]. Available from: https://www.gov.br/saude/pt-br/corona-virus/notas-tecnicas/2022/nota-tecnica-213-2022-cgpni-deidt-svs-ms/view.
    https://www.gov.br/saude/pt-br/corona-vi...

  • (iii) Immunocompromised children aged five to 11 years should receive: two doses of the mRNA vaccine (pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech) with an eight-week interval between the first and second doses;4141 Brazil. Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde Departamento de Imunização e Doenças Transmissíveis Coordenação-Geral do Programa Nacional de Imunizações. Nota técnica Nº 02/2022-CGPNI/DEIDT/SVS/MS. [Cited 2022 Nov 15]. Available from: https://www.gov.br/saude/pt-br/coronavirus/notas-tecnicas/2022/nota-tecnica-no-2-2022-secovid-gab-secovid-ms/view.
    https://www.gov.br/saude/pt-br/coronavir...

  • (iv) Immunocompromised adolescents aged 12 to 17 years should receive three doses for primary vaccination and a fourth booster dose, four months after completing the primary vaccination schedule, always using the Pfizer vaccine.4242 Tavares AC, de Melo AK, Cruz VA, Valadares LD, Xavier RM, de Souza VA, et al. Update to “guidelines on COVID-19 vaccination in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases: a Brazilian Society of Rheumatology task force”. Adv Rheumatol. 2022;62:29.

In addition to the above recommendations, the EULAR has published two recommendations regarding vaccination against COVID-19 in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.4343 Landewé RB, Kroon FP, Alunno A, Najm A, Bijlsma JW, Burmester GR, et al. EULAR recommendations for the management and vaccination of people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases in the context of SARS- CoV-2: the November 2021 update. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022;23. annrheumdis-2021-222006.

The first highlights that in those patients who are not yet undergoing treatment with an immunomodulator or immunosuppressant, vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 should precede the start of the treatment, if clinically feasible. The second corroborates the recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology and stresses that for patients using rituximab or other B-cell depletion therapy, immunization against SARS-CoV-2 should be programmed aiming to optimize the vaccine immunogenicity.4343 Landewé RB, Kroon FP, Alunno A, Najm A, Bijlsma JW, Burmester GR, et al. EULAR recommendations for the management and vaccination of people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases in the context of SARS- CoV-2: the November 2021 update. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022;23. annrheumdis-2021-222006.

Vaccination of cohabitants

Vaccination of people who live with children and adolescents with immune-mediated diseases receiving immunosuppressants and/or immunobiological is strongly recommended and must follow the vaccination schedules for each age group. The CRIE makes the influenza, varicella, and MMR vaccines available to susceptible people living with immunocompromised patients.

The oral polio vaccine (OPV) is contraindicated for people living with immunosuppressed people and, when recommended, it is advised that the vaccine used to be the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV).88 Sociedade Brasileira de Imunizações – SBIm. Calendários de vacinação SBIm pacientes especiais – 2021-2022. SBIm 2021. [cited 2022 Nov 1. Available from: https://sbim.org.br/noticias/1445-lancada-edicao-2021-2022-dos-calendarios-de-vacinacao-sbim-pacientes-especiais.
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Considerations

Studies carried out over the past decade have provided new data regarding the safety and immunogenicity of vaccines in children with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases. This fact allowed the updating of recommendations on the safety of immunization in this group of patients, mainly with live attenuated vaccines, and also the evaluation of safety and immunogenicity in patients treated with immunosuppressants and immunomodulatory therapies.

There is still a scarcity of data on the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in patients, particularly pediatric patients, with rheumatic diseases. The completion of ongoing studies is expected to help guide recommendations on COVID-19 vaccines in pedAIIRD patients.

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    28 Apr 2023
  • Date of issue
    Mar-Apr 2023

History

  • Received
    21 Nov 2022
  • Accepted
    28 Nov 2022
  • Published
    21 Dec 2022
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