Updated: The COVID-19 Vaccination Experience

We talk to members of the NPF community about what it was like receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

Last updated: February 10, 2021

As the first vaccines for COVID-19 received emergency use authorization, the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) COVID-19 Task Force updated its guidance to include information on vaccines for those with psoriatic disease. That guidance states that, “Patients with psoriatic disease, who do not have contraindications to vaccination, should receive an mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it becomes available to them based on federal, state and local guidance.”

In early March, the guidance statements were once again updated to include the following: "The NPF Task Force recommends that individuals with psoriatic disease receive the first COVID-19 vaccine offered to them, as all three of the currently available vaccines are extremely effective at preventing serious COVID-19 outcomes like hospitalization and/or death."

While it is wonderful to be informed by this group of experts in the fields of dermatology, rheumatology, infectious disease and critical care, we know you also want to hear from people who are just like you.

We asked those with psoriatic disease in our community to share their experiences in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, and thankfully, several of you were willing to share.

Multiple photos of people receiving their COVID-19 vaccine

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What NPF’s Community Has to Say

(comments have been lightly edited for clarity)

“I have psoriasis and take a biologic and got the COVID-19 vaccine, and all is good.”
Sarah E.

“I have psoriatic arthritis and got the COVID-19 vaccine. No side effects for me. After my own research and speaking with my doctors as well as people I respect in the medical field, I made this decision, with my husband, for our family, for our friends and for our community."
Renee O. (Instagram @revampingrenee)

“I have both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. I have already taken the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. I was sick for 4 days. My healthy coworkers were just as sick. I would take it again, but hopefully never have to.”
Carol P.

“I have PsA and got the vaccine. No side effects besides a sore arm the day after. I am also on biologics.”
Vanessa S.

"I got both shots. No side effects related to my psoriatic disease. Felt like a bit of a hangover the next day, after my first shot, but it was gone by noon. I was a little tired the day after my 2nd shot. I’m 71 and have had psoriatic disease for 47 years.”
Joe D'Annunzio

Staying Informed

As information regarding COVID-19 continues to evolve, the NPF COVID-19 Task Force will continue to update the guidance for people with psoriatic disease.

Neither this story, the comments from the NPF community, nor the guidance statements from NPF’s COVID-19 Task Force are intended to replace the advice of your health care provider. If you are experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms, or if you test positive for COVID-19, seek the advice of a health care provider.

"I just got my second dose this past Tuesday. I didn't feel well for about 36 hours or so, but that was the normal symptoms folks tend to have after the second dose. Both my parents had the symptoms too and they don't have psoriasis or PsA, both of which I have."
Jen C.

"I was vaccinated with both doses and my skin was cleared up too before. No new flare ups and it has been 3 weeks since my final dose."
Amy Elizabeth

NPF COVID-19 Resource Center

The stories and information you need, including the updated guidance on COVID-19 vaccines for those with psoriatic disease.

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National Psoriasis Foundation