Abstract Details

Title COVID-19 vaccination uptake in a multi-ethnic urban sample of MS patients

Topic Multiple Sclerosis

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

Poster/Presentation
Number 324

Objective To analyze rates of COVID vaccination in patients of different race/ethnicities receiving care at NYU Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center (MSCCC) in NYC; and to identify factors associated with non-vaccination status.

Background SARS Cov2 Vaccines are the mainstay of protection against severe COVID-19. Vaccination is especially important in those at higher risk for COVID complications and death, such as minorities, older patients, patients with comorbidities and disability, and those on immunosuppressive therapies. Limited information is available on vaccination rates and reasons for vaccine hesitancy in patients with chronic neurologic conditions, such as MS.

Design/Methods From July 1 2021, COVID-19 vaccination status was systemically ascertained on consecutive patients with MS or related disorders seen at NYU MSCCC by the first author. Data was collected by standard questionnaire, including questions on reasons for non-vaccination and review of medical record.

Results Data from 168 patients were analyzed to 9.30.2021 (ages 8-82, mean 37, SD 16.8, 72% female, 38% white, 28% African American, 13% Hispanic). 132 (78.5%) were vaccinated and 36 (21.4%) were unvaccinated. Among the unvaccinated, 39% were planning to receive vaccine which were delayed because of timing of anti-CD20 therapies or other reasons, 38% indicated delay related to countervailing considerations (‘deliberation’), 8.3% expressed disagreement with medical advice to vaccinate (‘dissent’) and 8.3% expressed concerns about vaccine safety (‘distrust’). Vaccination rates were similar among Whites (83%), AA, (72%, p=0.244 compared to whites), and Hispanics (82%, p= 1.00).

Conclusions We observed very high COVID vaccination rates among all race/ethnic groups in our Center, which exceeded local vaccination rates (65% to date). Patients with chronic conditions who attend specialized centers where vaccine importance is emphasized may be more likely to be vaccinated. Reasons of deliberation were the most cited among non-vaccinated and represent a point of intervention. Additional strategies for improving vaccination rates will be discussed.

Authors/Disclosures
Vito P. Arena, MD (NYU Multiple Sclerosis Center) PRESENTER	Dr. Arena has nothing to disclose.
Ilya Kister, MD, FAAN (NYU School of Medicine)	Dr. Kister has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Genentech-Roche. Dr. Kister has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Horizon. The institution of Dr. Kister has received research support from Genentech. The institution of Dr. Kister has received research support from Novartis. Dr. Kister has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.

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