title: Seasonal and H1N1v influenza vaccines in MS: safety and compliance.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Viral infections may induce exacerbation of multiple sclerosis (MS), and attempts should be made to prevent them in MS patients by means of vaccines, but immunization is considered to possibly trigger autoimmune disease activity.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We studied the safety and patient compliance of seasonal influenza and H1N1v influenza vaccines.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical data on 101 consecutive patients with MS who participated in the study conducted between December, 2009 and February, 2010 were retrieved from the patients' charts. They all filled in a questionnaire on demographics, clinical symptoms and, when applicable, date of being vaccinated for seasonal influenza and/or H1N1v influenza.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five of the 49 vaccinated patients reported side effects of fever or flu-like symptoms associated with the administration of either of the vaccines: there were no complications or need for hospitalization. No patient reported any new neurological symptoms following the use of either vaccine. It emerged that many MS patients did not receive at least one of the vaccines, and that a substantial number of physicians were unsure of how to advise on vaccinations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results are intended to help reassure patients with MS and their physicians about the safety of seasonal influenza and H1N1v influenza vaccines.
authors: Department of Neurology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
authors: Eitan
authors: E
authors: Auriel
authors: Avi
authors: A
authors: Gadoth
authors: Keren
authors: K
authors: Regev
authors: Arnon
authors: A
authors: Karni
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D061214:Patient Safety; D012621:Seasons; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
chemical_list: D007252:Influenza Vaccines