COVID-19 vaccination in patients with multiple sclerosis receiving disease-modifying therapies: pragmatic issues

Drugs Today (Barc). 2022 Dec;58(12):605-620. doi: 10.1358/dot.2022.58.12.3455368.

Abstract

The SARS-COV-2 pandemic has been a global public health problem since 2019, with over 400 million reported cases, 6 million deaths, and significant economic and social damage. Overlapping SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with chronic diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), causes management problems, especially in patients treated with disease-modifying therapies. Studies investigating COVID-19 vaccination effectiveness have shown variability in postvaccination immune response that depends on the patient's background treatment, and special attention is required for anti-CD20 therapies. Existing data on the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination in patients with MS undergoing disease-modifying treatment are summarized and critically evaluated in this article.

Keywords: Acute relapse; COVID-19 vaccination; Cerebrovascular disorders; Demyelinating diseases; Disease-modifying therapies; Immune response; Maxillo-facial involvement; Multiple sclerosis.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / drug therapy
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines