Abstract Details

Title International COVID-19 Vaccine Experience and Perceptions Survey in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis: An Interim Analysis

Topic Global Health and Neuroepidemiology

Presentation(s) P18 - Poster Session 18 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 15-003

Background Most patients with MG receive immunosuppressive treatments that broadly impair the immune system. SARS-CoV2 vaccines are effective at preventing severe infections, and on 08/13/2021 the US CDC approved a third mRNA vaccine dose in immunocompromised populations. However, the views, experience, and outcomes of COVID-19 vaccination among the MG population remain unknown.

Objective To understand COVID-19 vaccination status, vaccine related adverse events, and post-vaccination COVID-19 infection outcomes among patients with myasthenia gravis (MG).

Design/Methods A REDCap survey was deployed on 9/21/2021 and promoted through the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of American (MGFA) website and social media platforms to recruit adults with MG. The data collected includes demographics, MG status, experience with COVID-19 infection, infection mitigation strategies, and vaccination status.

Results As of October 5th, a total of 1,056 individuals participated and (681 female (65%), median age [63.5, IQR (49-72)]) completed the study. Most of the responders were white or Caucasian (90.3%), 63% had a bachelor’s degree or higher, and 44% were retired. Forty-seven percent reported they were AChR antibody (Ab) positive, 6% reported MuSK-ab, 18% were seronegative, and 25% did not know their Ab status. Most of the responders were taking immunosuppressive treatments (11% prednisone, 64% nonsteroidal immunosuppressives). The vaccination rate was 92%. Among the unvaccinated responders (8%), the major reasons for not vaccinating were concerns about vaccine side effects (63%) and worsening MG symptoms by vaccine (71%). Eighty-four percent of the responders were willing to get a booster dose and 47% had already received a third COVID vaccine dose.

Conclusions This survey demonstrated high acceptance of COVID vaccines in MG patients. Data on vaccine safety, specifically vaccine side effects and disease worsening in the MG population, are needed to address the concerns of unvaccinated patients. These data are part of our ongoing analysis and can be used to provide targeted education about COVID vaccine safety.

Authors/Disclosures
Yingkai Li, MD, PhD (Duke University) PRESENTER	Dr. Li has nothing to disclose.
Srikanth Muppidi, MD, FAAN	Dr. Muppidi has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Alexion. Dr. Muppidi has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for argenx. Dr. Muppidi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for UCB/Ra Pharma. Dr. Muppidi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Horizont Pharma. Dr. Muppidi has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
Tabitha Karatz (Duke University)	No disclosure on file
Jeff Guptill, MD, FAAN (argenx US)	Dr. Guptill has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of argenx. Dr. Guptill has stock in argenx.