02/24/2021
Latest updates.
The Elliot Lewis Center will be providing information about the COVID-19 vaccines and MS. Updates will be posted to our website and page. Check back for additional updates. https://elliotlewisms.com/coronavirus
COVID-19 UPDATE AS OF 2/22/21
Are the vaccines safe?
YES! There are 2 vaccines approved for coronavirus, Pfizer and Moderna. These are mRNA vaccines that require 2 doses and are between 90-95% effective in preventing COVID-19. mRNA vaccines are felt to be safe for people with MS, regardless of what type of disease modifying therapy you are taking.
At this time, we are recommending that all our patients with MS get vaccinated with either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines when they are available.
What about the other vaccines that may be released soon?
AstraZenica and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) both have vaccines that may be released soon. These are a different technology than the current vaccines (viral vector vaccines). While these may be safe for patients with MS on medication, we are not making any specific recommendations until we have more information about these vaccines.
Do I qualify to get the vaccine?
The current plan in Massachusetts is to vaccinate people in 3 phases. Right now, we are in Phase 2: eligible groups include people who are 65 and older and/or those with 2 comorbid medical conditions. MS is not listed as a medical condition or “comorbidity” that qualifies you for phase 2. For a list of qualifying comorbidities, see Mass.gov). While Gilenya, Mayzent, Zepozia, Mavenclad, Ocrevus, Rituxan, Lemtrada, and Kesimpta all increase your risk of medications slightly, they are not currently considered to be comorbidities that qualify you for the vaccine.
Where do I get the vaccine?
The Mass.gov website has information on locations offering the vaccine for those who are eligible. See map for locations. Unfortunately, the Elliot Lewis Center will not be able to administer the vaccine.
Will I need a letter to document my diagnosis and/or treatment?
Thus far, doctors’ notes have not been required. We are not writing vaccine letters for patients at this time.
Will my MS medication interfere with the vaccine?
If you are on Ocrevus, Rituxan, or Kesimpta:
These medications reduce your B-lymphocytes (which create antibodies to fight infections) and may reduce your response to vaccines. Ocrevus was studied with the flu vaccine, and people developed a protective antibody response, though it was somewhat reduced. While we don’t know for sure, it seems very likely that since the coronavirus vaccines are 90-95% effective, they should provide some level of protection for patients on Ocrevus/Rituxan/Kesimpta.
It is not known if the timing of your infusion impacts the efficacy of vaccines. We are suggesting that you wait at least 2 weeks after your infusion of Rituxan or Ocrevus before getting vaccinated (if feasible). However, if you are offered the vaccine, our recommendation for most patients is to take the vaccine when it is available, rather than wait. If you have already been vaccinated, we recommend waiting at least 2 weeks after the second vaccine before getting your infusion. Please let us know when you have a specific date set for your vaccination, and we will advise you of any change of timing of your infusion.
If you are on Gilenya, Zeposia, or Mayzent:
It is possible that these medications may reduce the effectiveness of vaccines, but we still recommend that our patients be vaccinated. We do not recommend stopping these medications prior to being vaccinated because of the risk of relapse.
If you are on Mavenclad:
Mavenclad temporarily reduces your lymphocyte count for several months after a dose, though it is unclear if this reduces the effect of vaccines. We will decide the timing of vaccination on a case-by-case basis.
If you are on Aubagio, Tecfidera (or a fumarate drug), Tysabri, interferon, or glatiramer:
These medications are not known to interfere with vaccines and coronavirus vaccines should be effective.
