COVID-19 Vaccination and Multiple Sclerosis Relapse

A recent study reveals that COVID-19 vaccination does not increase the risk of relapse in most patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, there is a slight rise in relapse risk following a COVID-19 booster in patients with high MS activity.

Researchers used data from the French National Health Data System, including 124,545 MS patients, 82.3% of whom received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. They analyzed MS relapses requiring hospitalization and high-dose corticosteroids within 45 days after each vaccine dose.

There was no increased relapse risk after the first or second vaccine dose or booster. However, patients with two or more relapses in the previous two years showed a 28% higher risk of relapse after the booster. A case-time control study confirmed these findings, showing no increased relapse risk after any vaccine dose.

The authors conclude: "These vaccines can be used without any worry about relapse risk, which is encouraging for those who may need future booster shots."

Source:

Neurology.