COVID-19 vaccination

In an incredible feat of science several COVID-19 vaccinations were developed and then licenced during 2020. In the UK 3 vaccinations have been approved by MHRA :

 Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine

Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine

Moderna vaccine

 

There are naturally concerns about the appropriateness of injected corticosteroid in the lead up to, or immediately after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination. 

Arthritis and musculoskeletal alliance, and the British society of Rheumatology recommend postponing routine corticosteroid injections during the vaccination period because corticosteroids may diminish the effect of the vaccine. 

There will be patients whose quality of life is diminished sufficiently that they cannot tolerate waiting for a corticosteroid injection. In this situation a shared decision that balances the risks and rewards of receiving corticosteroid injection must be made. Versus arthritis, the British Society of Rheumatology, British Orthopaedic Association,  and the British Society of Skeletal Radiologists published the below tool to facilitate decision making in such circumstances. 

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