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- Title
(SEL01) Understanding Gaps in Knowledge Surrounding Flu Shots and Immunizations as They Relate to Multiple Sclerosis.
- Authors
Crispino, Alexis
- Abstract
Background: Over the past 5 years the influx of US Food and Drug Administration--approved treatment therapies, and advances in symptom management for, multiple sclerosis (MS) has been astounding. Emphasis has been placed on a healthy lifestyle to maximize quality of life, and many experts including the American Academy of Neurology and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agree that receiving vaccinations and flu shots are a part of staying healthy, including for most individuals with MS. However, this evolving landscape in care and treatment options has also heightened questions, misconceptions, and confusion surrounding the influence of flu shots and immunizations on MS. Objectives: Seeking to better understand gaps in knowledge and what patients with MS know/believe about flu shots and immunizations this assessment sought to analyze: 1) key areas of concern for receiving flu shots or immunizations; 2) how flu shots and immunizations are discussed with health care providers; and 3) understand current beliefs surrounding flu shots and immunizations. Methods: The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) developed and disseminated a 27-question survey on the topic of flu and immunizations as they relate to patients with MS that was emailed out to the MSAA client database. Results: 1926 patients with MS participated in the survey, with 32% of respondents reporting that they do not receive an annual flu shot and do not anticipate getting one this year. When asked why respondents do not receive flu shots, 36% opted concerns that flu shots are not good for people with MS, 32% are worried about side effects, and 28% do not trust or believe them to be safe. 68.26% reported an MS neurologist as their leading source of information, but still 37.74% said that they do not feel well informed about flu shots and 36.28% do not feel well informed enough about immunizations. 42% of respondents feel worried that if they receive an immunization or flu shot, they will have an adverse reaction and 38% believe that if they receive an immunization or flu shot it will interfere with their disease-modifying therapy or worsen their MS. Overall, 62.19% of individuals feel well informed about flu shots and immunizations while 37.81% feel that they need more information. Conclusions: These findings suggest that although experts agree that flu shots and immunizations are recommended for most individuals, there is still significant confusion among the MS patient community. "I believe that there are links between flu shots / immunizations and multiple sclerosis" reflected "not sure" responses of 38.81% and 42.51%, respectively. Finally, when asked how they would prefer to receive information about flu shots and immunizations in the future, leading responses were from their MS neurologist, general care practitioner, and through printed materials.
- Subjects
CONFERENCES &; conventions; HEALTH attitudes; IMMUNIZATION; INFLUENZA vaccines; MULTIPLE sclerosis; HEALTH literacy
- Publication
International Journal of MS Care, 2020, Vol 22, Issue S2, p78
- ISSN
1537-2073
- Publication type
Article