Analysis of Side Effects Following Vaccination Against COVID-19 Among Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis Treated With DMTs in Poland

Abstract

Background and ObjectivesSince vaccination against COVID-19 is available for over a year and the population of immunized individuals with autoimmune disorders is higher than several months before, an evaluation of safety and registered adverse events can be made. We conducted a large study of side effects following the COVID-19 vaccine among patients with multiple (MS) sclerosis treated with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and analyzed factors predisposing for particular adverse events.MethodsWe gathered data of individuals with MS treated with DMTs from 19 Polish MS Centers, who reported at least one adverse event following COVID-19 vaccination. The information was obtained by neurologists using a questionnaire. The same questionnaire was used at all MS Centers. To assess the relevance of reported adverse events, we used Fisher's exact test, t-test, and U-Menn-Whutney test.ResultsA total of 1,668 patients with MS and reports of adverse events after COVID-19 vaccination were finally included in the study. Besides one case marked as “red flag”, all adverse events were classified as mild. Pain at the injection site was the most common adverse event, with a greater frequency after the first dose. Pain at the injection site was significantly more frequent after the first dose among individuals with a lower disability (EDSS ≤2). The reported adverse events following immunization did not differ over sex. According to age, pain at the injection site was more common among individuals between 30 and 40 years old, only after the first vaccination dose. None of the DMTs predisposed for particular side effects.ConclusionsAccording to our findings, vaccination against COVID-19 among patients with MS treated with DMTs is safe. Our study can contribute to reducing hesitancy toward vaccination among patients with MS.

A prospective study of cellular immune response to booster COVID-19 vaccination in multiple sclerosis patients treated with a broad spectrum of disease-modifying therapies

“…SARS-CoV-2 vaccines had side effects that could potentially increase disability in pwMS or trigger a relapse of the disease [ 25 – 27 ]; this is, however, a controversial topic [ 28 ]. For this reason, some patients have already rejected a fourth dose of vaccine.…”

Case report: First manifestation of multiple sclerosis temporally correlated with COVID-19 vaccination

“…However, the current experiences have shown that broad immunization with currently available vaccines is safe and effective, reducing the risk of severe COVID-19, hospitalization, and death ( 19 ). Multiple studies have concluded that COVID-19 vaccines are safe for individuals with MS ( 20 – 22 ). Cases like the one we reported here are rare, and—based on current knowledge—the benefits of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 far outweigh the potential risks.…”

An overview of viral mutagenesis and the impact on pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 variants

“…One of the top worldwide hazards to public health has been highlighted as vaccine hesitancy, which has been a widespread issue in the civilized world for years. There is still hesitation to receive Covid-19 immunization despite the fact that the vaccine being available for more than a year ( 181 ). The establishment of faith in medical professionals and manufacturers of vaccines needs to be a priority.…”