COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in multiple sclerosis: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background: Vaccine willingness among people living with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) requires assessment following the approval of the first COVID-19 vaccines, since there remains uncertainty on multiple aspects of COVID-19 vaccination in immunosuppressed patients. Objective: To understand COVID-19 and influenza vaccine willingness and its associations among PwMS, following the approval of the first two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Methods: A survey was distributed to PwMS via an online platform from December 2020 to February 2021. Logistic regression models were constructed to determine the relationship between (1) COVID-19 and (2) influenza vaccination willingness with demographic and clinical characteristics. Results: Of 701 responding PwMS, 76.6% were COVID-19 vaccine willing. COVID-19 vaccine willingness was significantly associated with influenza vaccine willingness (p < 0.001). In multivariable models, older age increased the odds of COVID-19 and influenza vaccine willingness (odds ratios (ORs) > 1) and other race decreased the odds of COVID-19 and influenza vaccine willingness (ORs < 1); higher functional disability decreased the odds of COVID-19 vaccine willingness (OR = 0.88, 95% confidence interval = 0.80–0.96). Prevalent vaccine-related concerns include safety (n = 244) and efficacy (n = 122). Conclusion: Our findings identify demographic and clinical factors as well as concerns influencing vaccine hesitancy in PwMS. These results may inform effective public health interventions to improve vaccine acceptability in this at-risk group.