The role of co-morbidities in the development of an AEFI after COVID-19 vaccination in a large prospective cohort with patient-reported outcomes in the Netherlands

Background: The effect of a preexisting comorbidity on the occurrence of adverse events after immunization (AEFIs) has been studied poorly. In this longitudinal cohort study, we assess the association between co-morbidities and the occurrence of AEFIs after COVID-19 vaccination. Also, we described the occurrence of flare-ups and their manifestation after COVID-19 vaccination in people with rheumatic diseases. Research design and methods: We performed multivariable logistic regression to investigate the association between the occurrence of AEFIs and 10 common comorbidities using patient-reported data from people vaccinated with the AstraZeneca, Johnson&Johnson, Moderna, or Pfizer vaccine. Results: Occurrence of any AEFI, injection site reactions, headache, fatigue, and/or malaise was significantly associated with presence of comorbidities, including psychological disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, and endocrine disorders after the first and second doses (OR ranges 1.23–1.77). One participant with rheumatoid arthritis experienced a flare-up after receiving the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Discussion/conclusion: The results showed that the odds of reporting an AEFI after COVID-19 vaccination is significantly higher in the presence of some comorbidities whilst flare-ups are uncommon after receiving COVID-19 vaccination in people with rheumatic disease. In-depth research is needed to validate our results and unravel the observed associations from a mechanistic perspective.