MyMSTeam

Here is the information regarding COVID-19 vaccines and multiple sclerosis (MS) from the knowledge base:

- Vaccination Recommendation: Leading MS experts recommend that people with MS get booster vaccinations against COVID-19 despite a slight risk of triggering an MS relapse (flare, attack, or exacerbation). Dr. Aaron Show Full Answer

Here is the information regarding COVID-19 vaccines and multiple sclerosis (MS) from the knowledge base:

- Vaccination Recommendation: Leading MS experts recommend that people with MS get booster vaccinations against COVID-19 despite a slight risk of triggering an MS relapse (flare, attack, or exacerbation). Dr. Aaron Boster, a board-certified neurologist, encourages people with MS to get COVID boosters and vaccines.

- Risk of Relapse: The risk of having a disease flare after a COVID-19 vaccination is 6.28 percent overall. For people with neurologic conditions like MS, this risk is even lower at 2.62 percent. The protective benefits of COVID-19 vaccination significantly outweigh the small potential risk of relapse.

- Immune System and MS: MS itself does not make a person immunosuppressed, but many effective MS treatments do suppress the immune system. This is a key reason why vaccination is recommended to protect against severe COVID-19 symptoms.

- Effectiveness of Vaccines: People with MS who take CD20 immunosuppressive medications can mount antibody responses to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna), though their responses are not as strong as those without MS. Vaccines may not work quite as well for those on immunosuppressive medications, but they still offer some protection.

- Precautions: People with MS, especially those on disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) or in high-risk groups, should take extra precautions such as wearing high-quality masks.

- High-Risk Groups: Those with progressive MS, older individuals, people with higher levels of physical disability, and those with other medical conditions (comorbidities) are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms and are especially encouraged to get vaccinated.

- Coordination with DMTs: It is important not to change the timing of DMTs or stop taking them without consulting a doctor, as this could worsen MS symptoms. Coordination of vaccination timing with DMTs is recommended.

- CDC Recommendations: The CDC recommends that anyone aged 6 and older who is moderately or severely immunocompromised should receive at least one dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the sources provided in the knowledge base.

 This AI-generated response comes from MyMSTeam and other selected sources. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

MS Symptoms and COVID-19 Vaccines: Is There a Relapse Risk? | MyMSTeam

MS News That Captured Attention in 2021 | MyMSTeam