Study: Vaccines do not increase risk of multiple sclerosis

A new study finds vaccines, particularly those for hepatitis B and the human papillomavirus, did not increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis over the long term.

"So, I think this study is very helpful in addressing the concerns that vaccines might trigger MS because this study found absolutely no association between the administration of vaccines and the long-term development of MS," said Dr. Robert Fox of Cleveland Clinic.

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Kaiser Permanente researchers studied more than 4,000 people and followed them for three years.

They wanted to see if there was a long-term association between vaccinations, particularly HPV and hepatitis-B vaccines, and an increased risk for developing MS.

Results show no link between vaccination of any type and a long-term risk of MS or similar central nervous system diseases.

The study did find that, in some people, there is a slight increase in the risk of developing MS in the first month after getting vaccinated, but it disappeared after 30 days.

Fox agreed with researchers who said that's because the vaccine might trigger something that is already there.

"What that suggests to me is that vaccines may trigger the development of MS in people who were going to get MS anyway," Fox said.

Researchers said the findings do not suggest a need for a change in the current vaccine policy.

Fox agreed and said the search for what causes multiple sclerosis will continue.

"This study is very helpful, but it still leaves unclear what is the cause of multiple sclerosis. What triggers the immune system to get confused and attack the brain and the spinal cord? We still just don't know that," Fox said.

Complete findings for the study "Vaccines and the Risk of Multiple Sclerosis and Other Central Nervous System Demyelinating Diseases" can be found in the journal "JAMA Neurology."