@article{c1ffc0803dc54dc2a2d891c39e3b03e3,
title = "Perspectives and experiences with COVID-19 vaccines in people with MS",
abstract = "Background: People with MS may have unique perspectives on COVID-19 vaccines due to their condition and/or medications. Objective: Assess perspectives and experiences with COVID-19 vaccination, and quantify variables impacting COVID-19 vaccine willingness in people with MS. Methods: A survey captured demographics, MS characteristics, and COVID-19 infection and exposures data; opinions on COVID-19 vaccine safety, side effects, and efficacy; and experiences following vaccination. Chi-square tests and a logistic regression model were used to denote between-group differences and variables predicting vaccine willingness, respectively. Results: Most (87.8%) of the 237 participants were willing to receive the vaccine. Fifteen percent held or delayed a DMT dose for vaccination. MS symptoms worsened in a minority (7.6% first/only dose; 14.7% second dose), and most side effects were mild (80.0%; 55.3%). Those not planning to receive the vaccine were primarily concerned with long-term safety (70.4%). Medical comorbidities (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=5.222; p=0.04) and following infection prevention precautions (aOR=6.330; p=0.008) were associated with vaccine willingness. Conclusion: Most individuals with MS surveyed plan to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. People with MS experience similar side effects to the general population, and few experience transient MS symptom worsening. These results can inform conversations on vaccination between providers and people with MS.",
keywords = "COVID-19, Multiple sclerosis, vaccine",
author = "Ciotti, {John R.} and Perantie, {Dana C.} and Moss, {Brandon P.} and Fitzgerald, {Kathryn C.} and Cohen, {Jeffrey A.} and Mowry, {Ellen M.} and Naismith, {Robert T.} and Salim Chahin",
note = "Funding Information: J.R.C. reports consulting fees from EMD Serono and Genentech, and grant funding from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, all outside the submitted work. D.C.P. reports no competing interests. B.P.M. reports consulting fees from Biogen and stock in Pfizer, and has received grant funding from Genentech, all outside the submitted work. K.C.F. reports no competing interests. J.A.C. reports personal compensation for consulting for Biogen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Convelo, Genentech, Janssen, NervGen, Novartis, and PSI; speaking for H3 Communications; and serving as an Editor of Multiple Sclerosis Journal. E.M.M. reports serving as PI or site PI for studies sponsored by Biogen and Genentech, and receiving free medication for a clinical trial, of which she is PI, from Teva, as well as royalties for editorial duties from UpToDate. R.T.N. reports consulting fees for Banner Life Sciences, Biogen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Genentech, Genzyme, Janssen, GW Therapeutics, Horizon Therapeutics, Lundbeck, NervGen, TG Therapeutics, Third Rock Ventures, and Viela Bio, all outside the submitted work. S.C. reports grant funding from Biogen (partially supporting this work), and consulting and/or speaking fees from Biogen, Genentech, Genzyme and Novartis, all outside the submitted work. Funding Information: This work is partially supported by a sponsored research agreement from Biogen and the Leon and Harriet Felman Fund for Human MS Research. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} The Author(s), 2022.",
year = "2022",
month = jan,
doi = "10.1177/20552173221085242",
language = "English (US)",
volume = "8",
journal = "Multiple Sclerosis Journal - Experimental, Translational and Clinical",
issn = "2055-2173",
publisher = "SAGE Publications Inc.",
number = "1",
}