b'These COVID-19 vaccines require two doses. on MRI. Based on data from previous studiesYou need to get both doses for it to work. If ofothervaccinesandDMTs,gettingtheyouvehadCOVID-19andrecovered,you COVID-19 vaccine while on any DMT is safe.should also get the vaccine. We dont know Some DMTs may make the vaccine lesshow long someone is protected from getting eective but it will still provide some protection.COVID-19 again.For those taking Kesimpta, Lemtrada,The COVID-19 vaccines are safe Mavenclad, Ocrevus, or Rituxanyou mayfor people with MS need to coordinate the timing of your vaccinewith the timing of your DMT dose. Work withThe vaccines do not contain live virus and your MS healthcare provider to determine thewill not cause COVID-19 disease. The vaccines best schedule for you. We are in the processare not likely to trigger an MS relapse or to of developing considerations for providers toworsen your chronic MS symptoms. The risk use when making these decisions with you. of getting COVID-19 far outweighs any risk of All of us have a personal responsibility tohaving an MS relapse from the vaccine. Any vaccinecancausesideeffects, slow the spread of the pandemic and eliminateincluding a fever. A fever can make your MS the virus as quickly as possiblesymptomsworsetemporarily,butthey Theauthorizationofsafeandeectiveshould return to prior levels after the fever is vaccinesforCOVID-19bringusonestepgone. Even if you have side eects, its im- closer to eliminating this pandemic. Inportant to get the second dose of the vaccine addition to getting vaccinated, the sciencefor it to be eective. is settled that wearing a face mask, socialThe vaccines are safe to use distancing and washing your hands are thewith MS medications best ways to slow the spread of the virus andContinue your disease modifying therapy shouldbecontinuedevenif yougeta(DMT) unless you are advised by your MS COVID-19 vaccine. healthcareprovidertostopordelayit. LearnmoreaboutthesafeandeectiveStopping some DMTs abruptly can cause COVID-19vaccinesfromtheCentersforsevere increase in disability with new lesions Disease Control and Prevention.The National MS Society consulted the following individuals in the development of thisguidance:MS neurologists and expertsNancy Sicotte, MD, FAANChair, National MS Societys National Medical AdvisoryCommittee, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, USA Brenda Banwell, MDChair of MS International Federation International Medical andScientic Advisory Board (IMSB)University of Pennsylvania, USAAmit Bar-Or, MD, FRCPUniversity of Pennsylvania, USAJorge Correale, MDRaul Carrea Institute for Neurological Research, FLENI, Buenos Aires,Argentina19 msfocusmagazine.org'