Uptake and Attitudes About Immunizations in People With Multiple Sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Public Health

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) patient populations often have unique vaccination needs and concerns.
• Public health vaccination targets aim to prevent infectious diseases in vulnerable groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess influenza vaccine uptake in a multiple sclerosis (MS) patient cohort.
• To identify factors, including misconceptions, associated with lower-than-target influenza vaccination rates in MS patients.

Main Methods:

• A survey of 5,244 participants in the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis Registry.
• Data collected on various vaccinations, including seasonal influenza, and reasons for non-vaccination.
• Multivariable logistic regression used to analyze factors associated with influenza vaccine uptake.

Main Results:

• Only 59.1% to 79.9% of MS patients received the seasonal flu vaccine, varying by age group.
• Neurologists inquired about immunization history in only 43.0% of participants.
• Top reasons for not receiving the influenza vaccine included personal preference (29.6%) and concerns about adverse effects (29.3%) or worsening MS (23.7%).

Conclusions:

• Influenza vaccination rates in the multiple sclerosis (MS) population fall below public health recommendations.
• Misconceptions regarding vaccine safety in MS and personal preference significantly impact vaccination decisions.
• Targeted education is essential to address these misconceptions and improve vaccine uptake in MS patients.