Vaccination for COVID-19 in patients with multiple sclerosis: sociodemographic aspects, safety and associated psychological factors

Abstract

Objectives: To describe clinical-sociodemographic characteristics of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) vaccinated against COVID-19, evaluating clinical worsening after vaccination and factors associated with vaccine refusal. Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study with application of a structured form in patients with MS from Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídio addressing clinical, sociodemographic and psychological factors related to vaccination against COVID-19. Data were tabulated and described using means with standard deviation and frequency/proportion. Statistical analysis was performed adopting statistical significance of 5%. Results: Fifty-one patients (76.4% women) were evaluated, mean age 43.3 years (18-72). Of these, 29 (57%) had mild side effects and 7 had COVID-19 after vaccination. There was no significant increase in the annualized rate of relapses or expanded disability status scale. Twelve patients reported fear regarding vaccination, with intentional delay in 5 patients. The main sources of fear mentioned were social networks, television and friends/family. Conclusions: In this study, vaccination for COVID-19 in patients with multiple sclerosis proved to be safe, not leading to relapses or functional worsening after vaccination. The fear of vaccinating led to delay in some patients, and social networks were the main source of fear.