Safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in multiple sclerosis patients

J Neuroimmunol. 2021 Jul 15:356:577599. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577599. Epub 2021 May 4.

Abstract

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for multiple sclerosis patients. Disease-modifying therapies can influence the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. RNA, DNA, protein, and inactivated vaccines are likely safe for multiple sclerosis patients. A few incidences of central demyelination were reported with viral vector vaccines, but their benefits likely outweigh their risks if alternatives are unavailable. Live-attenuated vaccines should be avoided whenever possible in treated patients. Interferon-beta, glatiramer acetate, teriflunomide, fumarates, and natalizumab are not expected to impact vaccine efficacy, while cell-depleting agents (ocrelizumab, rituximab, ofatumumab, alemtuzumab, and cladribine) and sphingosine-1-phosphate modulators will likely attenuate vaccine responses. Coordinating vaccine timing with dosing regimens for some therapies may optimize vaccine efficacy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19 / complications
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control*
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host / drug effects*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / complications
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology*
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • COVID-19 Vaccines