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To slow the spread of COVID‑19 and prevent infection, MS patients have been encouraged to get the COVID‑19 vaccine.1 However, this has important considerations for patients on disease modifying treatments (DMTs).2 Since DMTs suppress or modulate immune function, they can increase the susceptibility to infections and reduce the effectiveness of vaccines.2
Talk to your doctor to learn more about the effectiveness of COVID‑19 vaccine and your MS treatment.
CNMSC advice on COVID‑19 Vaccine
The latest guidance from the Canadian Network of MS Clinics (CNMSC), states that the following DMTs do NOT require any special dosing adjustments nor treatment delays when receiving the COVID‑19 vaccine1:
Natalizumab
Dimethyl fumarate*
Interferon
Glatiramer acetate
Teriflunomide
*Most patients taking dimethyl fumarate have normal lymphocyte counts, but there is a risk of lower counts.
Talk to your neurologist for complete information.1
COVID-19=coronavirus disease 2019, MS=multiple sclerosis
Consult your doctor if you have further questions or concerns regarding dosing adjustments or changes for your MS treatment.
Check your knowledge!
What did you learn?
True or false?
DMTs have no effect on
vaccine effectiveness.
Not true! DMTs suppress or modulate immune function and therefore can reduce the effectiveness of vaccines.
That’s right! DMTs suppress or modulate immune function and therefore can reduce the effectiveness of vaccines.
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References:
1. Canadian Network of MS Clinics. The CNMSC COVID-19 Recommendations. https://cnmsc.ca/Covid19VaccineGuidance. Version 5. Updated on January 31, 2021. Accessed on March 7, 2022.
2. Farez MF, et al. Practice guideline update summary: Vaccine-preventable infections and immunization in multiple sclerosis: Report of the Guideline Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2019. 93(13):584-594. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000008157.
Biogen-161395