Willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19: An exploratory online survey in a Portuguese cohort of multiple sclerosis patients

Abstract

Background: Little is known about MS patients' acceptability of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Objective and methods: An online survey was conducted among MS patients to study COVID-19 vaccine acceptability and its associated factors.

Results and conclusion: Among 256 participants, 80.9% of the patients were either definitely or probably willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Most hesitant patients would consider being vaccinated under physician recommendation. Older patients and those with comorbidities seem to be more willing to get vaccinated. Moreover, vaccine acceptability was associated with participants' convictions and concerns about COVID-19, as well as previous vaccination practices.

Keywords: COVID-19; Multiple sclerosis; Vaccine.