Vaccine Considerations for Multiple Sclerosis in the COVID-19 Era

Effects of vaccination on COVID-19 infection symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients

Background

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are at higher risk of having infections due to receiving disease modifying therapies. The current study was conducted among Iranian MS patients who had experienced at least one episode of COVID-19 infection in order to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 vaccination on symptoms of their infection. Data on demographic information, MS characteristics, COVID-19 infection details, and vaccination status were collected. Statistical analyses, were performed to evaluate the association between vaccination and symptoms of COVID-19 infection.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on confirmed MS patients. Demographic data and COVID-19 related symptoms were gathered via an online questionnaire. Confirmation of patients' who declared to be vaccinated was checked by their COVID-19 vaccination card.

Results

A total of 236 MS patients participated in the study. The majority were female (79.7%), with a mean age of 36.1 ± 7.9 years. Among the participants, 72.5% had received the COVID-19 vaccine before their first episode of COVID-19 infection. The analysis showed a significant difference in the incidence of respiratory symptoms (P-value: 0.01) and headache (P-value: 0.04) between vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals. Logistic regression analysis revealed that vaccinated MS patients had lower odds of developing respiratory symptoms (OR:0.29, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.53, P-value<0.001) or headache (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.98, P-value: 0.04) during their next COVID-19 infection episode. Moreover, MS patients who were receiving immunosuppressive drugs were less likely to have respiratory symptoms (OR:0.35, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.77, P-value:0.009) but not headache (OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.30 to 1.60, P-value: 0.39).

Conclusion

COVID-19 vaccination can reduce the incidence of respiratory symptoms and headaches in MS patients during COVID-19 infection episodes. Additionally, patients who are receiving immunosuppressive drugs may benefit from COVID-19 vaccination.

Comparing the consequences of COVID-19 vaccination between central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating diseases and other neurological disorders

BACKGROUND

Vaccination constitutes a crucial preventive measure against COVID-19 infection. Concerns have been raised regarding the efficacy of vaccines in multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients due to various immunomodulatory medications and potential adverse events that may impact neurological function. This study aimed to explore the implications of COVID-19 vaccination within MS and NMSOD patients and compare it with other neurological disorders (OND).

METHOD

In this cross-sectional study conducted in Isfahan, Iran, baseline data and information on COVID-19 infections and vaccinations were collected from MS, NMOSD, and OND patients between September 2021 and September 2022. The predominant neurological disorders identified among OND patients encompassed headache, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease. Logistic regression analysis was employed to compare COVID-19 vaccination outcomes among different patient groups, presenting odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

The study included 1,307 participants, with 738 having MS, 96 having NMOSD, 76 having clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), and 397 having OND. Significantly higher odds of post-vaccination COVID-19 infection were detected in MS (OR = 3.86, p < 0.001) NMOSD (OR = 2.77, p = 0.015) patients than OND patients. The prior history of COVID-19 infection and the type of vaccine administered did not demonstrate significant associations with the likelihood of post-vaccination COVID-19 infection in MS and NMOSD patients (p > 0.05 for all). There were no significant differences in the rates of adverse events in MS, NMOSD, and OND patients, except the second dose, where NMOSD patients had lower odds than OND patients (OR = 0.55, p = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

Although the safety profile of COVID-19 vaccination in MS and NMOSD was similar to that in OND, the rates of post-vaccination COVID-19 infection in MS and NMOSD seem higher than OND. These findings highlight the importance of regular serological monitoring and the potential advantages of supplementary vaccine doses in MS and NMOSD patients.

Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies in multiple sclerosis: Rethinking the current treatment strategy

Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies are highly-effective B-cell-depleting therapies in multiple sclerosis (MS). These treatments have expanded the arsenal of highly effective disease-modifying therapies, and have changed the landscape in understanding the pathophysiology of MS and the natural course of the disease. Nevertheless, these treatments come at the cost of immunosuppression and risk of serious infections, diminished vaccination response and treatment-related secondary hypogammaglobulinemia. However, the COVID pandemic has given way to a possibility of readapting these therapies, with most notably extended dosing intervals. While these new strategies show efficacy in maintaining inflammatory MS disease control, and although it is tempting to speculate that tailoring CD20 therapies will reduce the negative outcomes of long-term immunosuppression, it is unknown whether they provide meaningful benefit in reducing the risk of treatment-related secondary hypogammaglobulinemia and serious infections. This review highlights the available anti-CD20 therapies that are available for treating MS patients, and sheds light on encouraging data, which propose that tailoring anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies is the next step in rethinking the current treatment strategy.

Era of COVID-19 in Multiple Sclerosis Care

The unprecedented scope of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in numerous disruptions to daily life, including for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). This article reviews how disruptions in multiple sclerosis (MS) care prompted innovations in delivery of care (eg, via telemedicine) and mobilized the global MS community to rapidly adopt safe and effective practices. We discuss how our understanding of the risks of COVID-19 in PwMS has evolved along with recommendations pertaining to disease-modifying therapies and vaccines. With lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, we examine potential questions for future research in this new era of MS care.

COVID-19: The Course, Vaccination and Immune Response in People with Multiple Sclerosis: Systematic Review

When the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) appeared, it was unknown what impact it would have on the condition of patients with autoimmunological disorders. Attention was focused on the course of infection in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS), specially treated with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) or glucocorticoids. The impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on the occurrence of MS relapses or pseudo-relapses was important. This review focuses on the risk, symptoms, course, and mortality of COVID-19 as well as immune response to vaccinations against COVID-19 in patients with MS (PwMS). We searched the PubMed database according to specific criteria. PwMS have the risk of infection, hospitalization, symptoms, and mortality due to COVID-19, mostly similar to the general population. The presence of comorbidities, male sex, a higher degree of disability, and older age increase the frequency and severity of the COVID-19 course in PwMS. For example, it was reported that anti-CD20 therapy is probably associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. After SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination, MS patients acquire humoral and cellular immunity, but the degree of immune response depends on applied DMTs. Additional studies are necessary to corroborate these findings. However, indisputably, some PwMS need special attention within the context of COVID-19.

The benefits and risks of escalation versus early highly effective treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis

INTRODUCTION

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, demyelinating, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system that affects over 2 million people worldwide. Considerable advances have been made in the availability of disease modifying therapies for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis since their introduction in the 1990s. This has led to debate regarding the optimal first-line treatment approach: a strategy of escalation versus early highly effective treatment.

AREAS COVERED

This review defines the strategies of escalation and early highly effective treatment, outlines the pros and cons of each, and provides an analysis of both the current literature and expected future directions of the field.

EXPERT OPINION

There is growing support for using early highly effective treatment as the initial therapeutic approach in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. However, much of this support stems from observational real-world studies that use historic data and lack safety outcomes or randomized control trials that compare individual high versus low-moderate efficacy therapies, instead of the approaches themselves. Randomized control trials (DELIVER-MS, TREAT-MS) are needed to systemically and prospectively compare contemporary escalation versus early highly effective treatment approaches.

SARS-CoV-2: Immunity, Challenges with Current Vaccines, and a Novel Perspective on Mucosal Vaccines

The global rollout of COVID-19 vaccines has played a critical role in reducing pandemic spread, disease severity, hospitalizations, and deaths. However, the first-generation vaccines failed to block severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and transmission, partially due to the limited induction of mucosal immunity, leading to the continuous emergence of variants of concern (VOC) and breakthrough infections. To meet the challenges from VOC, limited durability, and lack of mucosal immune response of first-generation vaccines, novel approaches are being investigated. Herein, we have discussed the current knowledge pertaining to natural and vaccine-induced immunity, and the role of the mucosal immune response in controlling SARS-CoV2 infection. We have also presented the current status of the novel approaches aimed at eliciting both mucosal and systemic immunity. Finally, we have presented a novel adjuvant-free approach to elicit effective mucosal immunity against SARS-CoV-2, which lacks the safety concerns associated with live-attenuated vaccine platforms.

Summary of Safety and Efficacy of COVID Vaccination in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic represents one of the most challenging issues that have recently influenced everyday life in countries all over the world. Understanding the risk of this disease is of high importance in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) as they represent a vulnerable population through their treatment with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Infective episodes may trigger relapses and lead to deterioration of the health condition.

SUMMARY

Vaccination is an important preventive measure against infectious diseases. In MS patients, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of vaccines in patients on various immunomodulatory drugs and about their possible adverse effects including impairment of neurological functions. The objectives of this article were to summarize the current knowledge on immune responses to the COVID-19 vaccines and their safety in MS patients and to provide practical guidance based on the data available to date.

KEY MESSAGES

Although MS is not associated with a higher risk of COVID-19, this infection can trigger relapses or pseudo-relapses. Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are recommended for all MS patients who are not in the active phase of the disease, despite the fact that there is still a lack of long-term reliable data on the effectiveness and safety of vaccines against COVID-19. Some DMTs can reduce vaccine humoral responses, but might still provide some protection and adequate T-cell response. To optimize the effectiveness of vaccination, the ideal timing of vaccine application and DMTs dosing regimen is crucial.

Saudi Consensus Recommendations on the Management of Multiple Sclerosis: Symptom Management and Vaccination

This article deals with recommendations on the management of symptoms of MS and on the provision of vaccinations in patients receiving disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Symptoms of MS, such as fatigue, depression, urinary symptoms, spasticity, impairment of gait, and sexual dysfunction, are common in this population. Recognizing and addressing these symptoms is key to maintaining the quality of life of people with MS. Vaccination status should be reviewed and updated prior to initiation of DMTs. In general, vaccination should be avoided for variable periods after the initiation of some DMTs. Live attenuated vaccines are contraindicated and should be considered on a case-by-case basis. These consensus recommendations will present the best practices for vaccination in Saudi Arabia before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The recommendations will be updated periodically and as needed as new evidence becomes available.

Relapses after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak raises the question of whether immunization is recommended for patients with CNS demyelinating diseases. On the one hand, existing studies suggested that SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations are not associated with increased risk of relapse activity. On the other hand, case reports with acute CNS demyelinating disease post vaccination were emerging and raising clinicians' attention.

METHODS

In this longitudinal observational study, we included 556 patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and 280 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Each vaccinated patient was matched to two unvaccinated patients according to age, gender, ARR and immunotherapy status, based on propensity score matching model (PSM). The primary outcome is the short- and medium-term risk of relapse, which were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis between groups.

RESULTS

In our cohort, 649 patients (77.6%) have not yet been vaccinated, mainly due to their concerns about relapse. After PSM, 109 vaccinated patients with NMOSD, 218 PS-matched unvaccinated patients with NMOSD, 78 vaccinated patients with RRMS, and 156 PS-matched unvaccinated patients with RRMS were included in the survival analysis to explore the safety of vaccines, with a median of 9-month follow-up. Following the first vaccination dose, 10 patients with NMOSD (9.2%) and four with RRMS (5.1%) experienced an acute relapse. Meanwhile, in the PS-matched unvaccinated group, 15 patients with NMOSD (6.9%) and 12 patients with RRMS (7.7%) presented with an acute relapse. There was no significant difference between the two curves in both NMOSD and RRMS groups over the course of the observation period. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and symptoms of relapses between the vaccinated and PS-matched unvaccinated groups. Post vaccination adverse events (ADE) were reported in 39 individuals (20.9%).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines appear safe for patients with CNS demyelinating diseases.

Correlates of protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease

Antibodies against epitopes in S1 give the most accurate CoP against infection by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Measurement of those antibodies by neutralization or binding assays both have predictive value, with binding antibody titers giving the highest statistical correlation. However, the protective functions of antibodies are multiple. Antibodies with multiple functions other than neutralization influence efficacy. The role of cellular responses can be discerned with respect to CD4+ T cells and their augmentation of antibodies, and with respect to CD8+ cells with regard to control of viral replication, particularly in the presence of insufficient antibody. More information is needed on mucosal responses.

Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines: Spotlight on Neurological Complications

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented demand on the global healthcare system. Remarkably, at the end of 2021, COVID-19 vaccines received approvals for human use in several countries worldwide. Since then, a solid base for response in the fight against the virus has been placed. COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective drugs. Nevertheless, all kinds of vaccines may be associated with the possible appearance of neurological complications, and COVID-19 vaccines are not free from neurological side effects. Neurological complications of COVID-19 vaccination are usually mild, short-duration, and self-limiting. However, severe and unexpected post-vaccination complications are rare but possible events. They include the Guillain-Barré syndrome, facial palsy, other neuropathies, encephalitis, meningitis, myelitis, autoimmune disorders, and cerebrovascular events. The fear of severe or fatal neurological complications fed the “vaccine hesitancy” phenomenon, posing a vital communication challenge between the scientific community and public opinion. This review aims to collect and discuss the frequency, management, and outcome of reported neurological complications of COVID-19 vaccines after eighteen months of the World Health Organization’s approval of COVID-19 vaccination, providing an overview of safety and concerns related to the most potent weapon against the SARS-CoV-2.

Immunoglobulin G immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in people living with multiple sclerosis within Multiple Sclerosis Partners Advancing Technology and Health Solutions

BACKGROUND

The impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) on SARS-CoV-2 vaccination response is uncertain.

METHODS

Post-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination blood samples across multiple DMTs were tested for SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) response.

RESULTS

Three hundred twenty-two people with MS were included; 91.9% received an mRNA vaccine. Post-vaccination reactive IgG rates (IgG index > 1) were 40% for anti-CD20 (32/80 patients); 41% for sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulators (S1PRM, 16/39); and 100% for all other classes, including the no DMT group.

CONCLUSION

Anti-CD20 therapies and S1PRMs reduce IgG response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination; IgG response is preserved with other DMTs.

Impact of immunotherapies on COVID-19 outcomes in multiple sclerosis patients

INTRODUCTION

SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has led the scientific community to maximize efforts to prevent infections and disease severity in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). We analyze the impact of immunotherapies on COVID-19 outcomes in pwMS, providing our interpretation of data.

AREAS COVERED

Infections, hospitalizations, intensive care unit admissions and death rates in COVID-19 pwMS are comparable to general population. Severity of disability, MS clinical phenotype, age and comorbidities, along with the use of intravenous methylprednisolone and anti-CD20 treatments, are risk factors for COVID-19 severity. Disease modifying treatments (DMTs) can be safely started and continued during the pandemic. Benefit-risk evaluation is mandatory when managing second-line therapies, to balance risk of worse COVID-19 outcomes and MS reactivation. COVID-19 vaccination is safe in MS and its efficacy could be reduced in fingolimod and ocrelizumab-treated patients.

EXPERT OPINION

Rate of (re)-infection and outcomes with SARS-CoV-2 variants in pwMS and antiviral properties of DMTs need to be further explored. Data on COVID-19 in pregnant MS women, children and elderly pwMS are limited. Evidence on long-term effects of infection is needed. Impact of emerging DMTs on COVID-19 should be investigated. More data and longer follow-up are needed to characterize long-term efficacy and safety profile of vaccinations in pwMS.

The Expanding Role of the Infectious Disease Expert in the Context of the MS Centre

Introduction: The complexity of the MS patient’s management is constantly growing. Consequently, the MS care unit requires a multidisciplinary approach, including an infectious disease specialist to minimise the risk of infectious complications related both to the disease and DMTs. Materials and methods: We retrospectively evaluated the infectious disease consultations performed from 2015 to 2019 in our MS centre. Results: We identified 107 patients with at least one infectious disease consultation out of 1088 patients. We found a progressive increase in the number of consultations from 2015 to 2019. Nearly half of the consultations were requested at the time of starting MS treatment. The most frequent requests were represented by chronic or acute infections. The most prevalent infectious agents were Herpesviridae and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Antibiotic or antiviral treatment and prophylactic treatment or vaccination represented together the most frequent outcomes of the consultations. Finally, a treatment delay was significantly associated with the advice of a prophylactic treatment or of a vaccination. Conclusion: There is an increasing awareness of the potential infectious complications of MS and of exposure to DMTs. The interaction between the MS neurologist and infectious disease specialist is fundamental to minimise the infectious risk related to the disease and to the DMTs, with a progressive shift from complication management to a broader prevention workup at the time of MS diagnosis, including both vaccination and prophylactic treatments.

Awareness of COVID-19 Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Vaccinations in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, affecting around 2.8 million people worldwide. Patients’ knowledge about COVID-19 infection, and their proper protective actions, may reduce the risk of infection. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of patients with MS about SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 illness, the relationship between MS and COVID-19, willingness to be vaccinated, and the impact of the pandemic on MS care. An original, anonymous, 35-items, self-reported questionnaire was used in both web-based and on-site survey formats. Two-hundred and forty-eight questionnaires were analyzed (mean age 40.8 ± 10.6 years, 77.8% women). Participants reported the use of multiple sources of information, and the most common were websites (77.8%) and television (59.3%). The majority of participants knew the correct symptoms of COVID-19 or transmission routes (94.4%), and accepted the pandemic’s restrictions (96.8%). A total of 93.2% considered SARS-CoV-2 as highly infectious, and 69% thought they were at higher risk of being infected with SARS-CoV-2, mainly because of immunodeficiency (82.7%). Although most of them were afraid of COVID-19 (69.0%), only two-thirds wanted to be vaccinated. Patients who were afraid of COVID-19 had a 3.5-times higher chance to declare willingness for vaccination. A total of 29.8% patients claimed that the COVID-19 pandemic limited access to the healthcare system. This study shows that Polish patients with MS represent a good level of knowledge about COVID-19 disease, and acceptance for public rules, but their willingness for vaccinations is not sufficient. Country-wide educational campaigns should be conducted, particularly on the internet and TV. Restrictions in healthcare facilities should be balanced to secure access for patients with MS.

New relapse of multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica as a potential adverse event of AstraZeneca AZD1222 vaccination for COVID-19

We report on nine patients (eight cases of MS and one case of NMOSD) who presented a disease relapse in close temporal association with their first AZD1222 vaccination dose against COVID-19. These patients had been stable for a median period of six years, with no evidence of disease activity and no change in their medication. After a median of 13 days (7 to 25 days) from vaccination, they developed a new relapse with increased disability and new lesions on magnetic resonance imaging. Although this association may be rare, it might be an adverse event of AZD1222.

An Update on the Status of Vaccine Development for SARS-CoV-2 Including Variants. Practical Considerations for COVID-19 Special Populations

The progress in the development of various vaccine platforms against SARS-CoV-2 have been rather remarkable owing to advancement in molecular and biologic sciences. Most of the current vaccines and those in development focus on targeting the viral spike proteins by generating antibodies of varying spectrum. These vaccines represent a variety of platforms including whole virus vaccines, viral vector vaccines, nucleic acid vaccines representing RNA, DNA, and their hybrid forms.The therapeutic efficacy of these vaccines varies owing to their pharmacodynamic individualities. COVID-19 variants are capable of inducing different pathologic responses and some of which may be resistant to antibodies generated by current vaccines. The current clinical use of these vaccines has been through emergency use authorization until recently. Moreover, the efficacy and safety of these vaccines have been tested in substantial numbers of individuals but studies in special populations that better reflect the global population are pending results. These specialized populations include young children, immunocompromised patients, pregnant individuals, and other specialized groups. Combination approaches, molecularly modified vaccination approaches, and vaccines conferring longer periods of immunity are being currently being investigated, as well as pharmacovigilance studies.The continual transformation of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants are of concern along with the breakthrough infections. These considerations pose new challenges for the development of vaccination platforms. For this purpose, booster doses, combination vaccine approaches, and other modalities are being discussed. This review provides an updated account of currently available vaccines and those in advanced development with reference to their composition and mechanisms of action.A discussion on the use of vaccines in special populations including immunocompromised patients, pregnant women and other specialized populations are also included.

Multiple Sclerosis Patients and Disease Modifying Therapies: Impact on Immune Responses against COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination

This article reviews the literature on SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and multiple sclerosis (MS). The first part of the paper focuses on the current data on immunopathology of SARS-CoV-2 and leading vaccines produced against COVID-19 infection. In the second part of the article, we discuss the effect of Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs) on COVID-19 infection severity or SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in MS patients plus safety profile of different vaccine platforms in MS patients.

Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Following COVID-19 Vaccination: A Case Report and Literature Review

Mass vaccination against coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has effectively controlled the pandemic and has been remarkably effective and safe. Reports of a few adverse events have been reported after post-marketing surveillance. We present a rare case of multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse in a female who presented with fatigue, involuntary eye movements, and numbness; autoimmunity following the COVID-19 vaccine has also been described. She was diagnosed with MS six years back and was in remission. She received her COVID-19 vaccine 18 days ago. Her clinical and radiological features confirmed the MS relapse. Her serology for COVID-19 immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM was positive, and she was managed with intravenous methylprednisolone and symptomatic management. Our case provides a possible association of vaccine-associated MS relapse; however, more evidence is warranted from future studies.

Case Report: Multiple Sclerosis Relapses After Vaccination Against SARS-CoV2: A Series of Clinical Cases

Objective: To describe a temporal association between COVID-19 vaccine administration and multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses.

Methods: This case series study was collected in four MS Centres in Central Italy, using data from 16 MS patients who received COVID-19 vaccination and presented both clinically and radiologically confirmed relapses between March and June 2021. We collected patients' relevant medical history, including demographics, MS clinical course, disease-modifying treatment (DMT) received (if applicable), and data from MRI scans obtained after the COVID-19 vaccination.

Results: Three out of 16 patients received a diagnosis of MS with a first episode occurring after COVID-19 vaccination; 13 had already a diagnosis of MS and, among them, 9 were on treatment with DMTs. Ten patients received BNT162b2/Pfizer-BioNTech, 2 patients mRNA-1273/Moderna, and 4 patients ChAdOx1 nCoV-19/AstraZeneca. All MS relapses occurred from 3 days to 3 weeks after receiving the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination or the booster. All patients had evidence of radiological activity on MRI.

Discussion: Clinical and radiological findings in these cohort of MS patients confirmed disease re/activation and suggested a temporal association between disease activity and COVID-19 vaccination. The nature of this temporal association, whether causative or incidental, remains to be established.

MENACTRIMS practice guideline for COVID-19 vaccination in patients with multiple sclerosis

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) should be vaccinated against COVID-19. All COVID-19 vaccines are effective and do not appear to carry any additional risk for patients with MS. Patients with MS should get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it becomes available. The risks of COVID-19 disease outweigh any potential risks from the vaccine. Even if vaccinated, patients with MS should continue to practice standard and recommended precautions against COVID-19, such as wearing a face mask, social distancing and washing hands. There is no evidence that patients with MS are at higher risk of complications from the mRNA, non-replicating viral vector, inactivated virus or protein COVID-19 vaccines, compared to the general population. COVID-19 Vaccines are safe to use in patients with MS treated with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). The effectiveness of vaccination may be affected by few of the DMTs but yet some protection is still provided. For certain DMTs we may consider coordinating the timing of the vaccine with the timing of the DMT dose to increase vaccine efficacy.

Humoral Response Induced by Prime-Boost Vaccination with the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and mRNA BNT162b2 Vaccines in a Teriflunomide-Treated Multiple Sclerosis Patient

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are treated with drugs that may impact immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Evaluation of “prime-boost” (heterologous) vaccination regimens including a first administration of a viral vector-based vaccine and a second one of an mRNA-based vaccine in such patients has not yet been completed. Here, we present the anti-spike protein S humoral response, including the neutralizing antibody response, in a 54-year-old MS patient who had been treated with teriflunomide for the past 2 years and who received a heterologous ChAdOx1 nCoV-19/ BNT162b2 vaccination regimen. The results showed a very strong anti-S IgG response and a good neutralizing antibody response. These results show that teriflunomide did not prevent the development of a satisfactory humoral response in this MS patient after vaccination with a ChAdOx1 nCoV-19/ BNT162b2 prime-boost protocol.