Influenza vaccination and multiple sclerosis

Medical Update Memo
October 27, 2004

Since winter – and flu season – is just around the corner, a frequent question is whether people with MS should choose to be vaccinated against influenza. Since any vaccination can cause fever in some cases, people with MS and their doctors sometimes worry whether the vaccine or the fever might trigger an MS attack.

There is reassurance in the 1997 study by Dr. Aaron Miller, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn. He found that people with relapsing-remitting MS, who had the flu vaccine, did not have more relapses then those who received a placebo injection.

“This study clearly supports the view that influenza vaccination is not associated with a statistically significant increase in MS attacks or worsening. People with MS should discuss the issue with their own physicians when making a decision about the flu vaccine,” said Dr. William J. McIlroy, national medical advisor, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.

ASK MS Information System Code: 2.7.2.8.w
National Research Department
National Communications & Government Relations Department

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Disclaimer
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is an independent, voluntary health agency and does not approve, endorse or recommend any specific product or therapy but provides information to assist individuals in making their own decisions.