Immunogenicity and safety of vaccination against seasonal 2012 influenza virus among patients with psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis

Objective: We aimed to assess the immunogenicity and safety of vaccination against seasonal influenza in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and psoriasis (Pso) patients. Methods: Patients with PsA or Pso and healthy controls were vaccinated with the Sanofi Pasteur vaccine recommended by the WHO in 2012. Clinical and laboratory assessments were performed on the day of the vaccination and 4-6 weeks later. The immunogenicity of the vaccine was evaluated by haemagglutination inhibition assay. Results: The study included 63 consecutive PsA patients and 4 Pso patients (mean age 50.1, 37 females, 30 males, 55.2% treated with tumour necrosis factor alpha blockers [TNF-α], 31.3% on disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs [DMARDs]) and 30 healthy controls. The geometric mean titers increased significantly in all participants for each of the subtypes tested. A substantial and similar proportion of patients in both groups responded to the vaccine. The response rate was not affected by parameters such as age, gender, disease activity or the use of TNF-α blockers or DMARDs. There were no significant changes in the patients' 68 tender and 66 swollen joint counts, dactylitis, PASI, global evaluation of the patient and physician and ESR, while there was a rise in CRP levels. Conclusion: Vaccination against seasonal influenza is safe and induces an appropriate response in patients with PsA, similar to healthy controls.