Episode Description:

Not sure if you should receive a vaccine given your psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis medication? Dermatologist Dr. Jason Hawkes explores this question along with vaccination recommendations for adults receiving biologics and oral therapies for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Listen as hosts Jeff Brown and LB Herbert discuss key questions about vaccine use and psoriatic disease with dermatologist and NPF Medical Board member Dr. Jason Hawkes who is co-owner, Chief Scientific Officer, and investigator with the Oregon Medical Research Center. Hear what the difference is between live and non-live vaccines, how type of vaccine and immunosuppressive medications impact the timing of vaccines in relation to treatment half-lives. Get your questions answered.

The intent of this episode is to offer answers to questions about vaccine use for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis who take immunosuppressive treatments.

Timestamps:

(0:23) Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered & guest welcome dermatologist Dr. Jason Hawkes.

(1:15) In general, what is a vaccine and how it works in the body.

(2:08) Will vaccines provide the same level of protection in people with psoriatic disease who are on treatments that influence the immune system.

(4:53) The difference between live and non-live vaccines.

(8:57) Summary of NPF Vaccine Recommendations in relation to live and non-live vaccines and specific medications for psoriatic disease, including a definition of medication half-lives.

(13:38) Vaccines that may be recommended prior to starting a systemic medication or biologic.

(18:27) The mRNA vaccine – how it works in comparison to other vaccines.

(22:31) How long immunity lasts from childhood vaccines.

(25:24) The vaccine guidelines apply to both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis with some nuances.

(28:38) Which healthcare provider to turn to for advice about vaccines and why.

(31:54) Questions to ask your health care provider about vaccines.

(33:26) How clinical trials and registries are evolving to assess the effect of vaccines with specific medications and the need for greater understanding.

(36:44) Develop a good relationship with your health care provider and don't be afraid to ask questions about your psoriatic disease, vaccines, or specific medications.

Key Takeaways:

· Vaccines work to help protect the body or stimulate protection against common infections or pathogens. There are different types that can be classified as either live or non-live vaccines.

· Evidence-based vaccine recommendations are available for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis to help guide timing of when to receive live and non-live vaccines when taking immunosuppressive oral systemic medications and/or biologics.

· It's important to discuss which vaccines to consider, and how current psoriasis medication could impact the intended response and timing with your health care team which includes a primary care physician, a dermatologist, and/or rheumatologist.

Guest Bio:

Dermatologist Jason Hawkes, M.D., MS is Co-owner, Chief Scientific Officer and Investigator with Oregon Medical Research Center (OMRC) in Portland, Oregon. He is also a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Oregon Health and Science University and the President and Sole Member of Hawkes Dermatology. Prior to joining the Oregon Medical Research Center, Dr. Hawkes held academic faculty appointments in the Departments of Dermatology at the University of Utah School of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and University of California-Davis. Dr. Hawkes' principal clinical and research interests are the treatment of complex inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, chronic urticaria (hives), and eczema. He has a special interest in translational human research and the development of novel biologics and small molecules used for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Dr. Hawkes is also a Councilor of the International Psoriasis Council (IPC) and serves on the Medical Board and Scientific Advisory Committee of the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) where he participates in the development of clinical consensus statements.

Resources:

"Does Having Psoriatic Disease Impact Vaccine Choices?" Psound Bytes™ podcast with Dr. Sandy Chat (University of California) and Dr. Christoph Ellebrecht (Dept. of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania).

Medical Board Clinical Statements