Having MS has not been linked to a higher chance of contracting Covid-19, nor does MS make it more likely to become seriously ill or die from the infection. However, certain factors have been known to increase the likelihood of developing a serious case of Covid-19 (eg about a 2-fold increase risk of requiring hospitalization, going to the ICU and/or use of a ventilator), such as progressive MS, older age, using a mobility device, or the use of anti-CD20 monoclonal DMT’s such as Ocrevus and Rituxan.
It’s most important that people living with MS get fully vaccinated as soon as possible. If given the choice, we encourage individuals to get either the Pfizer/Biontech or the Moderna vaccines. Data shows the mRNA vaccines are more effective than the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Additionally, the Pfizer/Biontech and Moderna vaccines do not have the same risk of blood clots as the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Antibody response to vaccinations, including COVID-19, are diminished in those using ant-CD20 agents (rituximab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, ublituximab) and sphingosine-1-phosphate modulators (fingolimod, siponimod, ozanimod and ponesimod), so completing vaccinations prior to onset of use of these agents is strongly preferable.