If you have been following MStranslate for a while, you will know that one of my pet hates is the poor reporting of multiple sclerosis research online (especially when it’s fake news).  In fact, it is one of the driving forces behind why MStranslate exists – to ensure that the MS community have regular access to high-quality and accurate research updates.  As much as is possible, we collect and curate this information so that you don’t have to.

Here is an example of ‘fake news’ from today that popped up on my Google alerts:

fake news

Let me start by being incredibly clear.  This title and opening paragraph are completely wrong, utterly misleading and, quite frankly, dangerous.  The article goes on to provide some more details that are more accurate, but I think the damage is already done.  Let me clarify what the research behind this article has shown…

FACT #1

There has been some small amounts of data published that shows the response generated to the Pfizer COVID vaccine in people living with multiple sclerosis on different treatments.

FACT #2

People living with multiple sclerosis that were not receiving a treatment, or were on cladribine (Mavenclad), generated a very strong response to the Pfizer COVID vaccine.

FACT #3

People living with multiple sclerosis that were on both fingolimod (Gilenya) or ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) generated, on average, a significantly reduced response to the Pfizer COVID vaccine.

FACT #4

We know that the timing of the administration of the COVID vaccine, in relation to the last dose of the multiple sclerosis treatment, plays an important role in the response generated.

FACT #5

It was always predicted that people on treatments, such as Ocrevus, would generate a lower response to the vaccine (as this is seen with other vaccines as well).  It is unclear exactly what level of response is necessary to provide protection.

FACT #6

The headline “COVID vaccines don’t work for people with this disease [multiple sclerosis]” is completely wrong.

FACT #7

The statement “it is ineffective for patients with multiple sclerosis” is also wrong.

In essence, there is still a lot more that we need to know about these vaccines and how people living with multiple sclerosis respond to them, especially on different therapies.  As more and more people get vaccinated, this data will be published and we will start to see a clearer picture.  As this happens, we will continue to provide updates, so as you can stay as informed as possible.

In the meantime, articles and headlines such as this do not help at all.  The past 18 months have been incredibly difficult for so many people around the world and we aren’t out the other side yet.  Therefore, it is more important than ever that we have respectful and accurate reporting on topics such as this, so as not to increase levels of stress, concern and worry unnecessarily.

If you see anything online that you would like verified, please don’t hesitate to bring it to my attention via e-mail (brett@mstranslate.com.au), or by direct messaging MStranslate through any of our social media platforms.

Stay safe and take care,

Brett
MStranslate Co-founder and Chief Science Communicator

Additional MStranslate COVID-19 Resources:

Multiple Sclerosis and the COVID-19 Vaccine

Facebook Live: COVID-19 & Multiple Sclerosis

Additional Insights on the Dangers of Fake News:

Facebook Live MS Research Q&A – starts from the 24 minute mark

3 Responses

  1. Leslie

    Thanks for what you do.
    I am on Ocrevus. I was offered an AZ jab at 8 wks from infusion (4wks from now.) I’m holding out for 12 wks for more effectiveness. Am I being silly?
    I live in regional VIC.

    Reply
    • MStranslate

      Hi Leslie,

      Firstly, thank you for the kind words and for your question. In terms of an answer, I have to be a little careful, as I don’t have a clinical background and so can’t give any medical advice on individual situations. In terms of the study listed above, I can tell you that the average time since the last dose of Ocrevus was almost 5 months, but this was a very small group and it would have had a lot of variation in the timing.

      I would encourage you to visit this link to another page on our website (https://mstranslate.com.au/multiple-sclerosis-covid-19-vaccine/), which provides the guidelines from a number of major MS organisations around the world. The US site in particular has specific thoughts on the timing of medications in relation to getting the vaccine. For Ocrevus, they do say the following:

      “If you are already taking Ocrevus or Rituxan, consider getting vaccinated 12 weeks or more after the last DMT dose. When possible, resume Ocrevus or Rituxan 4 weeks or more after getting fully vaccinated*. This suggested scheduling is not always possible and getting the vaccine when it becomes available to you may be more important than timing the vaccine with your MS medicine. Work with your MS healthcare provider to determine the best schedule for you.”

      That last point is particularly important, please do engage with your healthcare professional and/or neurologist to make the best decision for you.

      Thanks again and we’ll continue to provide any updated information once it becomes available.

      Kind regards,

      Brett

      Reply

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