However, national survey uncovered racial differences in uptake, safety concerns
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 6, 2021 (HealthDay News) — Two-thirds of people with lupus are willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, according to the results of a survey released by the Lupus Research Alliance.
The Lupus Research Alliance conducted an online survey between Oct. 19 and Nov. 17, which included 703 people with lupus and 63 of their family members and friends.
According to the results of the survey, respondents’ greatest motivator to getting the vaccine is to protect themselves (98 percent) or others (97 percent). Of those not likely to take the vaccine, 90 percent worry about side effects and 86 percent worry about lupus flareups. Only half of all respondents reported having confidence in the process used to test the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, but confidence varies by race, with Blacks (75 percent) being the least confident. Black respondents with lupus are less likely to report that they would definitely or probably get a COVID-19 vaccine (34 percent) versus 50 percent of Blacks in the general population. Hispanic respondents are most likely (34 percent) to say they are undecided about taking the vaccine.
“The experts on our Scientific Advisory Board have reviewed the data made public so far, and the vaccines do not seem to pose a particular concern for people with lupus,” Kenneth M. Farber, president of the Lupus Research Alliance, said in a statement. “However, whether or not to take this or any vaccine is a decision that must be made between the patient and their health care provider.”
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