World Lupus Federation Global Survey of People with Lupus Finds Half of Respondents Experienced a Decrease in Access to Healthcare During COVID-19 Pandemic earlier than the general population WASHINGTON, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In a new global survey, more than 6,100 people with lupus from over 85 countries shared their recent experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic and their views of the COVID-19 vaccines. Half (50%) of the survey participants reported decreased access to at least one aspect of lupus healthcare during the last three months, including decreased access to their lupus doctor/rheumatologist (36%), medical tests (29%), infusions for lupus treatment (24%) and lupus medications (17%). The international survey conducted by the World Lupus Federation further outlines how those living with lupus have been uniquely impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey also found that 10% of those surveyed have been infected with COVID-19, well above the global average of confirmed cases. Further, the respondents who reported reduced access to lupus healthcare were also more likely to have reported a lupus-related health complication, including lupus flares and lupus-related hospitalizations.