Daily Living with MS

Dr. Freedman

Professor of medicine in the field of neurology at the University of Ottawa, ON

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Q :

I am newly diagnosed and wondering about MS and vaccinations. I am thinking about vacationing in Mexico and would like to have a Twinrex vaccination. Will this stimulate my immune system too much? Also I work at a vet clinic and will need to have Rabies boosted this year. Is this a concern?

A :

Vaccinations have long been a heated debate in MS and generally are not contraindicated unless you are taking potentially immunosuppressive therapies (drugs that weaken your immune system) and in those circumstances it is best to avoid ‘live’ vaccines. Hepatitis vaccines have also been the subject of heated debate, especially about a decade ago when the French reported that these vaccines might activate MS. Several studies have since refuted these findings and now they are felt to be generally quite safe. In the end one must weigh the potential negative outcome of developing the virus related condition (hepatitis or rabies). Hepatitis a is a nuisance, but B is life long and can be a serious condition. Rabies can kill. In the end it is better to protect yourself from contracting either of these conditions if you are at risk than to worry about the theoretical possibilities that vaccinations might be detrimental to MS.

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