SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Vaccination Outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis
Jenna A. Brunn, Galit Levi Dunietz, Andrew R. Romeo, Tiffany J. Braley
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The effects of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and infection on clinical outcomes, including relapse risk, have been insufficiently explored in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence of new neurologic symptoms or symptom recrudescence among PwMS who received the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, characterize outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and assess MS-specific determinants of vaccine hesitancy. Methods: tests, and adjusted logistic regression models. Results: < 0.01). Neither disease-modifying therapy nor B-cell therapies specifically were associated with vaccine side effects, neurologic symptoms, or SARS-CoV-2 infection. Twenty-one percent of unvaccinated cited a desire for provider guidance before vaccination. Discussion: 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 recrudescence, as opposed to new relapses. Postvaccination side effects may occur more often among mRNA vaccine recipients and in younger individuals.