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Influenza Vaccine Hesitancy in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Monocentric Observational Study

Authors :
Antonio Ziello
Cristina Scavone
Maria Elena Di Battista
Simona Salvatore
Daniele Di Giulio Cesare
Ornella Moreggia
Lia Allegorico
Anna Sagnelli
Stefano Barbato
Valentino Manzo
Annalisa Capuano
Giorgia Teresa Maniscalco
Source :
Brain Sciences, Vol 11, Iss 7, p 890 (2021)
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2021.

Abstract

Background. The so-called “vaccine hesitancy” still represents a common phenomenon that undermines the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns. In 2020, the Italian Medicines Agency recommended to bring forward the flu vaccination campaign, whose importance was also emphasized for patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). We aimed to assess vaccination behavior in patients with MS to prepare for the upcoming SARS-CoV-2 vaccination challenge. Methods. This is an observational study carried out in one MS clinical Centre that enrolled all MS patients who were eligible for any of the flu vaccines recommended by the Italian medicines Agency. Results. 194 patients were enrolled. Patients’ mean age was 43.9 years and 66% were female. Comorbidities, mainly represented by non-autoimmune diseases, were identified in 52% of patients. Almost all patients were receiving a DMT during the study period, mainly dimethyl fumarate, natalizumab, teriflunomide, and interferon. Out of 194 patients, 58.2% accepted to be vaccinated. No statistically significant differences were found, except for the use of natalizumab, which was higher among vaccinated patients. Conclusion. The results of our study emphasize the importance of education and communication campaigns addressed both to healthcare providers and patients with MS, especially considering that MS patients are currently receiving COVID-19 vaccinations.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20763425
Volume :
11
Issue :
7
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Brain Sciences
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.685935fc0de3409b8afcf39f86225e9c
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11070890