Arthritis Research Canada says further research on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in vulnerable groups of people is needed following the release of their latest study.

The report finds people with autoimmune arthritis are at greater risk of severe outcomes related to COVID-19, as autoimmune arthritis patients have a 30 per cent higher risk of hospitalization and ICU admission.

They also have a 60 per cent increased risk of being placed on a ventilator.

Doctor Antonio Avina-Zubieta explains while the recent COVID-19 wave has not been as fraught as previous ones, it’s important for public health departments to continue to keep the chronically ill top of mind as they inform COVID-19 health policies moving forward.

For more on the report, listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.