Prophylactic use of antibiotics and vaccines in patients with rheumatologic disorders

In patients with serious underlying medical conditions, preventive interventions are a prudent and cost-effective, but underused, strategy that could lessen morbidity and even mortality. In particular, immunization status should be assessed in all patients with rheumatologic disorders, especially those likely to receive immunosuppressive treatment. Tuberculin reactivity is optimally documented before initiation of steroid therapy. It is often easier (and wiser) to prevent an infection than to treat it in a compromised host.