Willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in people with multiple sclerosis – UK MS Register survey

•94.4% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) would accept a COVID-19 vaccine•People of increasing age and previous influenza vaccinations were more likely to accept•Safety concerns and lack of information were top reasons for not getting a vaccine•51.7% of people with MS initially surveyed received a COVID-19 vaccine by May 2021•The decision to receive a vaccine changes with evolving perceived risks versus benefits Background & Methods: We conducted an online COVID-19 survey as the vaccines became available, utilising the UK MS Register, to understand people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) views on COVID-19 vaccination and the subsequent vaccine uptake rates. Results & Conclusion: 94.4% of 3191 pwMS surveyed indicated they would get a COVID-19 vaccine, while 5.6% would not. PwMS who have previously had an influenza vaccine, increasing age and the perception of having sufficient information about the vaccine were associated with increased likelihood of getting a vaccine. 51.7% of 3191 pwMS completed a follow-up survey indicating they received at least 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The proportion having had the vaccination based on their prior opinions was 53.2% in ‘Yes’ group and 27.0% in ‘No’ group, the latter reflecting a change based on their initial views. More information on COVID-19 vaccine safety in pwMS would be helpful for people to make informed decisions.