Infusion and COVID-19 Vaccines

If you are receiving either of the following therapies it will be helpful to know the following in determining when to schedule your COVID-19 vaccination.

Recommendations for patients taking Ocrevus or Rituxan:

1. If you have had a recent Ocrevus or Rituxan infusion, the vaccine may be more effective if it is given 3 months or more after your infusion. We recommend at least 3 months after your infusion.
    
2. The timing of the vaccine prior to an upcoming Ocrevus or Rituxan infusion depends on which vaccine you are going to get:
   • Pfizer: first dose six (6) or more weeks prior to infusion date.
   • Moderna: first dose eight (8) or more weeks prior to infusion date.
   • Johnson & Johnson: single dose four (4) weeks prior to infusion date.
      
3. If you are starting Ocrevus or Rituxan – follow the recommendations in section 2.
    

Please note:

• There are no studies yet which can confirm that you are immune after your vaccination. Continuing “safe behavior” (handwashing/ sanitizing, wearing a mask, and social distancing) is strongly recommended.
• Be aware these are the current recommendations and can change at any time.
• If you have any further questions, please make an appointment with your provider by calling the front office at (860) 714-2149.

This information has been taken from the National MS Society website. For more details, please visit nationalmssociety.org.