My patient receives periodic infusions of rituximab for immunosuppressive treatment of an immune system disorder. Should we try to coordinate the timing of his COVID-19 vaccinations around his infusion schedule?

According to CDC’s interim clinical considerations for the use of COVID-19 vaccines, whenever possible, COVID-19 vaccines should be administered at least 2 weeks before initiation or resumption of immunosuppressive therapies. For patients who receive B-cell-depleting therapies on a continuing basis, COVID-19 vaccines should be administered approximately 4 weeks before the next scheduled therapy.

CDC also notes that timing of COVID-19 vaccination should take into consideration current or planned immunosuppressive therapies, optimization of both the patient’s medical condition and response to vaccination, and individual benefits and risks. Review the CDC’s considerations for COVID-19 vaccination of those on immunosuppressive therapies here: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/interim-considerations-us.html#considerations-timing-COVID-19-vaccination-immunosuppressive-therapies.