Likelihood of COVID-19 Vaccination Among Individuals Living With Psoriatic Disease: Results From a Large Real-World Survey

Abstract

Introduction: Development and dissemination of novel COVID-19 vaccines represent an opportunity to end the COVID-19 pandemic by vaccinating an estimated 80% of the population. Objectives: This study examines perceptions, and demographic and clinical factors influencing the likelihood of adults with psoriasis receiving a novel COVID-19 vaccine. Methods: A cross sectional study conducted from October–November 2020 of 1405 adults with psoriatic disease with prior contact to a patient advocacy organization. The main outcome of interest was the likelihood of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Chi-square tests and logistic regression examined the relationship between individual characteristics and likelihood of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Results: Most participants (65%) received a flu vaccination in the last 12 months and were (64.2%) likely to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, while 35.9% reported being unlikely receive a vaccine. Likelihood of COVID-19 vaccination was associated with receiving the flu vaccine, race, ethnicity, sex, BMI, age, income, severity of PsO and PsA. When controlling for ethnicity, race, male sex, overweight/obese status, age, biologic use, disease type, comorbidities linked with worse COVID-19 outcomes, PsA symptoms, and skin disease severity, individuals who received the flu vaccine and those with annual household income over $75,000 were most likely to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusions: Vaccine hesitancy among individuals with psoriatic disease is considerable. Dermatologists and rheumatologists can increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake by actively engaging their patients on this topic using guidance published by the National Psoriasis Foundation on the management of psoriatic disease during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The patient perspective on vaccine uptake in adults with psoriasis and eczema

“…Other common barriers in the existing literature that were also identified by participants in this study were concerns about vaccine side effects, including flaring of psoriasis/eczema and misinformation [ 5 , 6 ]. Vaccine misinformation contributed to a lower intent to receive the COVID vaccine in the general population and in those with chronic inflammatory diseases [ 5 , 10 , 13 , 17 ]. Misinformation and concerns about side effects can be directly addressed in by all physicians in any medical encounter.…”

“…During the COVID-19 pandemic, discussions around vaccines recommendations and safety became increasingly common. Despite clear recommendations for all adults to receive a COVID vaccine, significant vaccine hesitancy was reported in adults with psoriasis [ 1 , 5 ], and not explored in those with eczema, further highlighting the importance of understanding the patient perspective around vaccine decision making. Fully understanding the factors that contribute to a patient’s decision to receive a vaccine is critical for vaccination counseling, to combat misinformation and improve vaccination rates.…”

Attitudes towards COVID Vaccine and Vaccine Hesitancy in Dermatology: A Narrative Review

“…Psoriasis patients also had concerns about the safety of receiving vaccinations, particularly while they were receiving systemic therapies. Additionally, inadequate counselling from physicians was reported as a concern for patients with psoriasis, as well as the underlying flare of the underlying skin condition [ 15 ].…”