Systemic lupus erythematosus patients experience reduced immune response after COVID-19 vaccination

In a cohort study involving 334 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 1,887 health care workers (HCWs), SLE patients had lower IgG levels following COVID-19 vaccination vs. HCWs. In the SLE group, use of mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, or belimumab was associated with reduced antibody response vs. nonuse. A 1-week mycophenolate holiday improved vaccine efficacy without leading to clinical disease flares.