COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Guidance Summary for Patients with Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases

COVID-19 Clinical Guidelines for Patients with Rheumatic Diseases from the American College of Rheumatology

**COVID-19 BOOSTER VACCINE has been approved for use. We encourage immunosuppressed patients that are eligible for the booster to consider receiving the booster if they wish, using the same vaccine they received previously. If you received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, pick from either the Pfizer or Moderna booster. There is no current guidance at this time as to how long after the initial vaccine one should wait to receive the booster. 

Dr. Robert Koval is a rheumatologist who specializes in treating autoimmune and inflammatory disorders that affect the bones, muscles, and joints, such as osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with particularly challenging cases of arthritis may be referred to Dr. Koval for an evaluation. With treatment, Dr. Koval’s patients finally find hope and effective solutions for the pain and can begin to regain their lives.

Dr. Koval volunteers his time as a consultant at the Samaritan Health Ministries in Cedar Park. In his spare time, Dr. Koval enjoys spending time with his wife, Erin, and two young children.  He also enjoys watching and attending sporting events (Hook’em Horns!), traveling, and many outdoor activities.

Dr. Koval has been voted by his peers to the Texas Super Doctors Rising Stars list in 2018-2020, a 2021 Super Doctor, and most recently to the Austin Monthly Top Doctor’s list in 2022.

Dr. Koval often educates his patients on the importance of an anti-inflammatory diet which can help reduce symptoms and flare-ups. Read Dr. Koval’s blog post here.