COVID-19 Vaccine intent in appalachian patients with multiple sclerosis.

Background: Rural people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) face distinctive challenges in the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to determine the COVID-19 vaccine intent and factors associated with vaccine hesitancy among Appalachian adults with MS.

Method: We conducted a cross sectional phone and in-person survey of PwMS in a large academic center in West Virginia (WV) from February to May 2021. The study sample consists of 306 adult participants.

Results: Among the 306 participants, 104 (33.99%) indicated vaccine hesitancy. Statistically significant factors (p<0.05) associated with vaccine hesitancy compared to those who received or intend to get vaccinated included concerns about vaccine safety, vaccine causing MS relapse, vaccine making MS medication ineffective, vaccine causing other diseases, getting the COVID-19 infection, vaccine fast approval, vaccine ingredients, how well the vaccine works, and its side-effects. Additional factors included prior bad experiences with other vaccines, history of not getting the flu vaccine, and lack of consultation about COVID-19 vaccine with healthcare providers.

Conclusions: Vaccine hesitancy among Appalachian adult PwMS is higher compared to PwMS in the larger United States. Vaccine hesitancy is especially higher among those who are female, younger than 50 years old, and residing in rural areas. Concerns about vaccine safety, perception of infection risks, past vaccine behaviors and consultation with healthcare providers are important factors associated with vaccine intent. Factors influencing vaccine hesitancy in Appalachian PwMS are largely consistent with the general public, however, concerns for interaction between the vaccine and MS are specific to this population and thus could be the focus of further vaccine effort.