Live Attenuated Measles-Mumps-Rubella and Varicella Vaccinations and Multiple Sclerosis Activity - Report - MDSpire

Live Attenuated Measles-Mumps-Rubella and Varicella Vaccinations and Multiple Sclerosis Activity

  • By

  • René Carvajal

  • Marta Ponzano

  • Carmen Tur

  • Xavier Martínez-Gómez

  • Juliana Esperalba

  • Álvaro Cobo-Calvo

  • Blanca Borras-Bemejo

  • Francesca Bovis

  • Helena Ariño

  • Georgina Arrambide

  • Luca Bollo

  • Joaquín Castilló

  • Manuel Comabella

  • Ingrid Galán

  • Daniel Hernández-Soria

  • Luciana Midaglia

  • Neus Mongay-Ochoa

  • Agustín Pappolla

  • José Alejandro Ramírez

  • José Ángel Rodrigo-Pendás

  • Breogán Rodríguez-Acevedo

  • Jordi Río

  • Ángela Vidal-Jordana

  • Andreu Vilaseca

  • Ana Zabalza

  • Jaume Sastre-Garriga

  • Maria Pia Sormani

  • Xavier Montalban

  • Mar Tintoré

  • Susana Otero-Romero

  • May 20, 2026

  • 0 min

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Impact of Live Attenuated Measles-Mumps-Rubella and Varicella Vaccines on MS Activity

Overview

This study evaluates the risk of relapse in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients following live attenuated MMR and varicella vaccinations. Findings suggest that these vaccines do not significantly increase relapse rates, providing reassurance for vaccination in this population.

Background

Vaccination is essential for preventing infections in individuals with multiple sclerosis, especially those on immunosuppressive therapies. Live attenuated vaccines, such as MMR and varicella, are recommended for immunocompetent MS patients lacking immunity. However, concerns regarding potential relapse risks associated with these vaccines have led to hesitancy among patients and healthcare providers.

Data Highlights

No specific numerical data was provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • The study utilized propensity score-based inverse probability weighting to assess relapse risk.
  • Vaccinated MS patients were matched with unvaccinated controls based on demographic and clinical characteristics.
  • Results indicated no significant increase in relapse rates post-vaccination with MMR or varicella.
  • Current guidelines recommend vaccination before initiating immunosuppressive therapies for MS.
  • Live attenuated vaccines are contraindicated once immunosuppression is established.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers can confidently recommend MMR and varicella vaccinations for MS patients who are seronegative, particularly before starting immunosuppressive therapies. This study supports the safety of these vaccines in preventing serious infections without exacerbating MS activity.

Conclusion

The findings provide important evidence supporting the safety of live attenuated MMR and varicella vaccines in individuals with multiple sclerosis, potentially alleviating vaccine hesitancy in this population.

Related Resources & Content

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  6. Open Forum Infectious Diseases — Reduced Longevity of Vaccine-Induced Antibodies in Youth with Perinatal HIV Undergoing cART
  7. Vaccination in multiple sclerosis: Tackling challenges and paving the way for effective immunization
  8. https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10175786/1/ECTRIMSEAN%20consensus%20on%20vaccination%20in%20people%20with%20multiple%20sclerosis%20Improving%20immunization%20strategies%20in%20the%20era%20of%20highly.pdf
  9. Immunocompromised Travelers | Yellow Book | CDC

Original Source(s)

Live Attenuated Measles-Mumps-Rubella and Varicella Vaccinations and Multiple Sclerosis Activity

  • by René Carvajal, Marta Ponzano, Carmen Tur, Xavier Martínez-Gómez, Juliana Esperalba, Álvaro Cobo-Calvo, Blanca Borras-Bemejo, Francesca Bovis, Helena Ariño, Georgina Arrambide, Luca Bollo, Joaquín Castilló, Manuel Comabella, Ingrid Galán, Daniel Hernández-Soria, Luciana Midaglia, Neus Mongay-Ochoa, Agustín Pappolla, José Alejandro Ramírez, José Ángel Rodrigo-Pendás, Breogán Rodríguez-Acevedo, Jordi Río, Ángela Vidal-Jordana, Andreu Vilaseca, Ana Zabalza, Jaume Sastre-Garriga, Maria Pia Sormani, Xavier Montalban, Mar Tintoré, Susana Otero-Romero

  • May 20, 2026

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