Seasonal and H1N1v influenza vaccines in MS: safety and compliance

Eitan Auriel1, Avi Gadoth, Keren Regev

  • 1Department of Neurology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.

Abstract

Insights

Influenza vaccination is safe for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, with no reported neurological side effects. This study aims to reassure MS patients and physicians about vaccine safety and encourage uptake.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Viral infections can trigger multiple sclerosis (MS) exacerbations.
  • Vaccination is recommended for MS patients to prevent infections.
  • Concerns exist regarding potential autoimmune activity triggered by vaccines.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and patient compliance of seasonal influenza and H1N1v influenza vaccines in MS patients.
  • To address physician uncertainty regarding vaccination advice for MS patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of clinical data from 101 MS patients (December 2009 - February 2010).
  • Patients completed questionnaires on demographics, symptoms, and vaccination status.
  • Data included information on seasonal influenza and H1N1v vaccination.

Main Results:

  • Five out of 49 vaccinated patients reported mild, transient side effects (fever, flu-like symptoms).
  • No patients experienced new neurological symptoms or required hospitalization post-vaccination.
  • Many MS patients did not receive recommended vaccines, and physicians expressed uncertainty about advising on them.

Conclusions:

  • Seasonal influenza and H1N1v vaccines are safe for MS patients.
  • The findings aim to reassure MS patients and healthcare providers about vaccine safety.
  • Increased vaccine uptake in MS patients is encouraged to prevent viral infections.

Related Concept Videos

Influenza01:27

Influenza

Influenza is an acute, highly communicable viral disease that affects the respiratory tract and is responsible for seasonal epidemics worldwide. Influenza A is the most prevalent type associated with widespread outbreaks and is subtyped based on two surface glycoproteins: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N), as in H1N1. These glycoproteins are essential for viral infectivity, transmission, and immune recognition. Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets and contaminated...
Vaccinations01:51

Vaccinations

Overview
Vaccines01:21

Vaccines

Vaccines are among the most effective tools in preventive medicine, designed to prepare the immune system to recognize and combat infectious agents. By introducing antigens—substances that the immune system identifies as foreign—vaccines stimulate an adaptive immune response that leads to immunological memory. This immunological memory enables the body to mount a faster and more effective response upon future exposures to the actual pathogen.Vaccines can be categorized based on the type of...
Bioequivalence studies: Biowaivers01:13

Bioequivalence studies: Biowaivers

In certain scenarios, in vitro dissolution tests can replace in vivo bioequivalence studies. This is particularly true when a drug product, though available in varying strengths, maintains proportional similarity in its active and inactive ingredients. In such cases, the need for in vivo bioequivalence studies for lower strength variants may be waived, provided dissolution tests and in vivo studies on the highest strength yield satisfactory results.Bioequivalence can be indicated through...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence01:28

Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence

Infectious diseases appear in populations through various transmission patterns, influenced by pathogen characteristics, population immunity, environmental conditions, and social behavior. Understanding these patterns is essential for effective public health surveillance and intervention. These categories—sporadic, outbreak, epidemic, pandemic, and endemic—help frame the nature and scope of disease events.Sporadic diseases occur irregularly and infrequently, without a predictable temporal or...