Abstract Details

Title COVID-19 Experiences and Vaccination in People with Multiple Sclerosis

Topic Multiple Sclerosis

Presentation(s) P1 - Poster Session 1 (9:00 AM-5:00 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 317

Objective To compare clinical and MS-specific outcomes among people with MS (PwMS) who received SARs-
CoV-2 vaccines, determine whether outcomes among vaccinated individuals vary by MS clinical
features (including DMT use), and examine vaccine hesitancy among unvaccinated individuals.

Background The effects of the SARs-CoV-2 vaccine and infection on clinical outcomes, including
relapse risk, have been insufficiently explored in PwMS. These knowledge
gaps may contribute to vaccine hesitancy and highlight a need for information about COVID
experiences in PwMS.

Design/Methods Online surveys were administered to PwMS with questions regarding prevalence and
severity of SARs-CoV-2 infection, vaccine status and type, reasons for vaccine deferral, and
post-vaccination side effects. Respondents also had the option to consent to chart review for
verification of clinical outcomes. Associations between infection, post-vaccination side effects
and neurologic symptoms, and clinical characteristics were compared using chi-square tests, 2-
sample T-tests, and logistic regression models.

Results Of n=333 respondents, n=292 were vaccinated and n=38 were unvaccinated. Average
time between vaccine and survey administration was 4 months. Among those vaccinated, 58%
reported post-vaccination side effects, most commonly among mRNA vaccine type (p=0.02),
younger patients (p<0.01), and relapsing-remitting MS (p=0.03). After vaccination, 12%
endorsed MS symptom recrudescence (fatigue, pain), while 3% endorsed new neurologic
symptoms. Per chart review (n=187), no respondents experienced post-vaccination
radiographic changes or required DMT change. N=62 participants reported SARs-CoV-2
infection, more frequent in younger individuals (1-year OR=0.958, 10-year OR=0.649, p<0.01).
Neither DMT use nor B-cell based therapy were associated with vaccine side effects,
recrudescence of MS symptoms, new neurologic symptoms, or SARs-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusions Our findings provide new data to suggest that among PwMS who received SARs-
CoV-2 vaccination, clinical disease worsening is rare and mostly associated with symptom
recrudesce as opposed to new relapse. Common post-vaccination side effects may occur more
often with the mRNA vaccines and in younger individuals.

Authors/Disclosures
Jenna A. Brunn, MD (The Oak Clinic) PRESENTER	Dr. Brunn has nothing to disclose.
Galit L. Dunietz	No disclosure on file
Andrew R. Romeo, MD (University of Michigan)	No disclosure on file
Tiffany Braley, MD (University of Michigan Medical Center)	Dr. Braley has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Bluestar BioAdvisors. The institution of Dr. Braley has received research support from NIH. The institution of Dr. Braley has received research support from PCORI. The institution of Dr. Braley has received research support from National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

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