Characterized by chronic inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) are among the most well-known AIRDs.2

Following up on concerns among AIRDs patients about potential flares following COVID shots, the study's researchers investigated the incidence, predictors and patterns of flares following administration of the shots in individuals diagnosed with AIRDs They used the global COVID-19 Vaccination in Autoimmune Diseases (COVAD) surveys to conduct the study.3 Symptoms of flares included the appearance of new clinical signs such as rash, muscle weakness, joint pain or swelling, digital ulcers, shortness of breath, chest pain, dysphagia (speech difficulty), fever, fatigue, and active kidney disease.