EADV reveals vaccine hesitancy in psoriasis patients

pharmafile | September 30, 2021 | News story | Business Services  

Research presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology (EADV) 30th Congress has revealed that psoriasis and psoriatic arthritic patients are hesitant about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, due to concerns about vaccine safety, and aggravation of their condition.

The real-world data was collected via social media posts, to avoid the limitations of traditional surveys, which only capture data from patients that could be influenced by the presence of a doctor. These posts were identified between January and March 2021, from patients in the USA, UK, France, Germany, and Spain, using pre-defined keywords to derive insights.

The findings indicate that psoriasis patients were hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccine due to the potential side effects post-vaccination, the effect on their autoimmune conditions, and the lack of trial data available. Patients also had no information on the interaction of the vaccine with biologic therapy, and the effect it would have on the immune-compromised.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease, affecting 1 in 50 people. It can range in severity from scattered red, scaly plaques, to spreading throughout almost the whole surface of the body. Psoriatic arthritis is also a condition that affects some people with psoriasis, which causes affected joints to become swollen and painful. This is less common, and affects approximately 24 in 10,000 people.

EADV is a leading society that aims to improve the quality of care for patients, and further educate dermatologists and venereologists on how to advocate for them. The 30th Congress provided a platform for organisations to share scientific breakthroughs that can help enhance the patient experience.

Álvaro González-Cantero of the Department of Dermatology Hospital Universitario Ramon Y Cajal, Madrid, Spain, commented: “Looking forward, we know that we have to take these findings on board and educate patients on the importance, safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine. We’re hoping to be able to collaborate with an Academy like the EADV to help us tackle vaccine hesitancy through education.”

Lina Adams


Related Content

No items found

Latest content