I have lupus + suspected Sjogrens, and I am hesitant to receive the COVID vaccine because I am afraid that there would be an autoimmune activation to cause flaring if I receive the vaccine. So far up to date, it seems these companies that manufacture the vaccines, have not done testing on people with autoimmune diseases. If we are to receive the vaccines, then we would become the guinea pigs for drug companies to test upon.

There is a new vaccine currently being tested in Europe (PROVENT trial) to see if special groups including the immunocompromised, can receive the vaccines.

I've looked up a few articles, and include the link here for you to see:

https://creakyjoints.org.au/covid_19/covid-19-vaccine-implications-for-australians-with-autoimmune-conditions/

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html

There is anecdotal evidence from a person with Lupus in New York who has received the vaccine.

https://creakyjoints.org/living-with-arthritis/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines/immunocompromised-patient-lupus-got-covid-19-vaccine/

Perhaps other friends on the forum may have more information about the COVID vaccines.

Thanks for the links, Andromeda.

Ask your rheumatologists! There is no reason people with autoimmune diseases cannot get the covid vaccine. The only vaccines we canot get are live vaccines. These are not live.

If you are on a biologic for your autoimmune dsease your rheumy may suggest you go off it for a week after getting the vaccine so it doesn't lessen the effect of the vaccine. But otherwise, no problem.

I have RA and SS and had two does of Moderna.

Thanks, WarriorGal for the info!
What kind of reaction did you get from the Moderna?

I'm on a short course of steroid, and will need to wait about 2 weeks after for it to clear my system before any vaccines.

BTW, I think the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a live or weakened virus (?). It is different from the Pfizer and Moderna.