The perspective of Iranian patients with multiple sclerosis on the third dose of COVID-19 vaccine

Fereshteh Ghadiri; Mohammad Ali Sahraian; Amirreza Azimi; Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi

doi:10.18502/cjn.v21i3.11107

Fereshteh Ghadiri Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Ali Sahraian Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Amirreza Azimi Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/cjn.v21i3.11107

Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis; COVID-19; Vaccination; Patient Preference; Iran

Abstract

Background: Now that the majority of the population has been immunized with two-dose vaccines, debates over the third booster dose have been raised. We studied the viewpoint of cases with multiple sclerosis (MS) on this matter.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a google form containing questions about participants’ characteristics, the history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and vaccination, and opinions on the third dose was designed.

Results: Of 1067 responders, only 16 (1.5%) were not vaccinated at all. The most used vaccine type was Sinopharm BBIBP COVID-19 vaccine (BBIBP-CorV) (n = 1002, 93.9%). Generally, 58 (5.4%) cases were hospitalized due to COVID-19. Of those with full vaccination, 134 (13.3%) got COVID-19 infection after the second dose. Only 13 participants (1%) did not agree with the third dose, while 564 (53.0%) believed that a booster dose was needed. Of all, 488 (45.7%) declared that they did not have a final idea and would follow the instructions by the experts. A significant association was found between not receiving the first two doses and not believing in the third dose (P = 0.001). 692 patients declared their reasoning for the importance of the third dose. All the cases who thought the administered vaccine was not efficient enough had received Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV. Those who got infected after full vaccination were more uncertain about the efficacy of the vaccine [odds ratio (OR): 2.6, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6-4.2].

Conclusion: It seems that the majority of the Iranian patients with MS expect the authorities to administer a third booster dose, especially if scientifically validated.