Influenza, a vaccine-preventable respiratory disease, is ranked 8th among the causes of death in the Canadian population. Among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, the incidence of both seasonal influenza and serious influenza-related illness (IRI) are increased. Despite being a high priority group targeted for vaccination, the diagnosis of RA and other patient-specific factors (i.e. older age, treatment, current smoking) are linked to impaired vaccination responses.