089  COVID-19 vaccinations in multiple sclerosis: UK MS register participant survey

Abstract

IntroductionGlobal efforts in vaccine development against SARS-CoV-2 saw the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine approved for use in the United Kingdom (UK) on 2nd December 2020. There have long been discussions around vaccination in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). We conducted a patient survey as part of the UK MS Register (UKMSR), to understand pwMS views on COVID vaccination.MethodPwMS were invited by email to complete a COVID-19 vaccine online questionnaire as part of the UKMSR on 7th December 2020.ResultsA total of 3092 pwMS completed the survey by 7th January 2021. 69.1% of patients indicated they are definitely going to get a COVID-19 vaccine, 16.1% probably, 9.1% possibly, 3.4% probably not and 2.3% definitely not. Factors examined includes gender, age, highest educational attainment and type of MS. Additionally, we explored whether previous experiences of vaccinations affected attitudes towards COVID vaccination. The top reasons for not taking a COVID vaccine included safety concerns and insufficient information.ConclusionThis UKMSR patient survey showed 85.2% of pwMS intend to get vaccinated against SARS- CoV-2, which is higher than the UK general public of 67% (1). More information on vaccine safety in pwMS would be helpful in making informed decisions.ReferencesYouGov Research: How many Britons are willing to take a coronavirus vaccine? 11–12 November 2020yun.huang@nhs.net