[SARS-CoV-2 infection and its prevention in pediatric autoimmune diseases].

The risk of developing severe COVID-19 is higher in patients with autoimmune diseases, and SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to progression and exacerbation of the underlying chronic disease. The safest and most cost-effective way to avoid COVID-19 is to be vaccinated, to follow the hygiene rules and to wear an appropriate mask. Contrary to belief, autoimmune disease alone is not a contraindication to vaccination and, in fact, patients should be among the first to be vaccinated because of the risk. The only clear contraindication to the use of COVID-19 vaccine is a history of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any of the components of the vaccine. Indication of vaccination migh be influenced by, among other things, the current disease activity and the treatment applied. The timing of immunization can be the most safely planned by the attending physician. The incidence of vaccination reactions and complications during immunization in autoimmune patients is similar to that seen in the healthy population. Orv Hetil. 2022; 163(11): 414-423.