COVID-19-vaccination in patients receiving allergen immunotherapy (AIT)
or biologics - EAACI recommendations
Abstract
Immune modulation is a key therapeutic tool for allergic diseases and
asthma. It can be achieved in an antigen-specific way via allergen
immunotherapy (AIT) or in endotype-driven approach using biologicals
that target the major pathways of the type 2 (T2) immune response: IgE,
IL-5 and IL-4/IL-13. COVID-19 vaccine provides an excellent opportunity
to tackle the global pandemics and is currently being applied in an
accelerated rhythm worldwide. It works as well through immune
modulation. Thus, as there is an obvious interference between these
treatment modalities recommendations on how they should be applied in
sequence are expected. The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical
Immunology (EAACI) gathered an outstanding expert panel under its
Research and Outreach Committee (ROC). This expert panel was called to
evaluate the evidence and formulate recommendation on the administration
of COVID-19 vaccine in patients with allergic diseases and asthma
receiving AIT or biologicals. The panel also formulated recommendations
for COVID-19 vaccine in association with biologicals targeting the type
1 or type 3 immune response. In formulating recommendations, the panel
evaluated the mechanisms of COVID-19 infection, of COVID-19 vaccine, of
AIT and of biologicals and considered the data published for other
anti-infectious vaccines administered concurrently with AIT or
biologicals.