Attitudes towards vaccination in multiple sclerosis: insights from patients, neurologists, and general practitioners within a qualitative study

@article{suslow2026attitudes,
  title = {{Attitudes towards vaccination in multiple sclerosis: insights from patients, neurologists, and general practitioners within a qualitative study}},
  author = {Anastasia Suslow and Romy Lauer and Thomas Grüter and Kerstin Hellwig and Chantal Flemm and Nina Timmesfeld and Jale Basten and Robin Denz and Marianne Tokic and Katharina Meiszl and Theresa Oganowski and Uta Kiltz and Maria Zacharopoulou and Andreas Stallmach and Anika Franz and Ursula Marschall and Joachim Saam and Catharina Tiemann and Kathrin J. Grochau and Horst Christian Vollmar and Ina Carola Otte},
  journal = {BMC Neurology},
  year = {2026},
  month = nov,
  doi = {10.1186/s12883-026-05590-1},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-026-05590-1},
  note = {CC BY 4.0},
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Attitudes towards vaccination in multiple sclerosis: insights from patients, neurologists, and general practitioners within a qualitative study
AU  - Anastasia Suslow
AU  - Romy Lauer
AU  - Thomas Grüter
AU  - Kerstin Hellwig
AU  - Chantal Flemm
AU  - Nina Timmesfeld
AU  - Jale Basten
AU  - Robin Denz
AU  - Marianne Tokic
AU  - Katharina Meiszl
AU  - Theresa Oganowski
AU  - Uta Kiltz
AU  - Maria Zacharopoulou
AU  - Andreas Stallmach
AU  - Anika Franz
AU  - Ursula Marschall
AU  - Joachim Saam
AU  - Catharina Tiemann
AU  - Kathrin J. Grochau
AU  - Horst Christian Vollmar
AU  - Ina Carola Otte
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/11/03
JO  - BMC Neurology
DO  - 10.1186/s12883-026-05590-1
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-026-05590-1
AB  - Background: People with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) face increased infection and mortality risks due to their disease and potentially immunosuppressive therapy. Comprehensive vaccination is recommended, but reported vaccination rates in pwMS vary, and concerns about safety und effectiveness are discussed as one possible reason.  Objectives: This study examines the vaccination rates and hesitancy in pwMS from the perspectives of patients, neurologists, and general practitioners (GPs) to identify possible approaches to overcome the hesitation.  Methods: Between March and December 2023 narrative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen patients, five neurologists, and ten GPs in Germany. Pseudonymized data were analyzed using Kuckartz’s Qualitative Content Analysis with MAXQDA, incorporating deductive and inductive codes.  Results: In total, thirty participants were interviewed. Our findings suggest that some pwMS experience gaps in vaccination-related information and desire more proactive information from physicians. Several participants described that communication between neurologists and GPs was limited and that it was not always clear which physician addresses vaccination counselling and administration. Fear of side effects and misinformation encountered by patients affect vaccination willingness. Patients prefer precise and consistent information materials on vaccination timelines.  Conclusion: Misinformation or lack of information may contribute to vaccination reluctance. Addressing patients’ concerns with comprehensible information appears to be an important element of vaccination counselling from the perspective of the participants. Our findings highlight the importance of improved communication and education among all parties involved in vaccination.  Trial registration: German Register of Clinical Studies (DRKS): https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00031559 (Registration Date: 28.08.2023, retrospectively registered).  Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-026-05590-1.
SN  - 1471-2377
ER  -