Reuters Health: COVID vaccine proved safe, well tolerated in patients with rheumatic diseases
UC expert recommends further study differentiates between treatment, disease types
A new European study recently published in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases shows that currently available COVID-19 vaccines rarely cause flares in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease. Flares were reported in less than 5% of all cases within the study.
While encouraging, Wenhai Shao, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology in the University of Cincinnati's Department of Internal Medicine, told Reuters Health that further studies should differentiate whether patients are taking immunosuppressants or other types of drugs, compare to healthy individuals and note the severity of the rheumatic or musculoskeletal diseases when the vaccination was given for more specific results.
"A bioinformatics approach could be used to analyze the data in these different ways," Shao said.
Read the Reuters Health article.
Featured photo at top of vaccination courtesy of Shutterstock.com
Related Stories
Make Hoxworth Blood Center’s special holiday events part of your family celebrations this December
December 12, 2025
This December, Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, is inviting families across Greater Cincinnati to add something truly meaningful to their holiday traditions: giving the gift of life. With festive community events, beloved local partners and special thank-you gifts for donors, Hoxworth is making it easier, and more heartwarming than ever, to roll up your sleeves and help save lives close to home.
Ohio nurses weigh in on proposed federal loan rule
December 12, 2025
Spectrum News journalist Javari Burnett spoke with UC Dean Alicia Ribar and UC nursing students Megan Romero and Nevaeh Haskins about proposed new federal student loan rules. Romero and Haskins, both seniors, were filmed in the College of Nursing’s Simulation Lab.
Bearcat Mascot, Cheer Team and scholarships help celebrate Decision Day
December 12, 2025
Cincinnati media organization provided news coverage of Decision Day activities at the University of Cincinnati on Dec. 10, 2025. Surprise announcements of the 2026 Marian Spencer Scholarship recipient occurred during the day.