COVID-19 Vaccination in Patients with Dravet Syndrome: Veronica Hood, PhD, MS

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The scientific director at the Dravet Syndrome Foundation discussed a recent survey asking caregivers about the experiences of patients with DS following COVID-19 vaccination. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

WATCH TIME: 3 minutes

“With this very new vaccine that has come out for COVID-19, we want to help families understand what reactions have been within the community to COVID-19 vaccination.”

Veronica Hood, PhD, MS, scientific director at the Dravet Syndrome Foundation, sat down with NeurologyLive® following her presentation at the American Epilepsy Society (AES) Annual Meeting, December 3-7, 2021, in Chicago and virtually, outlining a study on the surrounding effect of COVID-19 vaccination in patients with Dravet syndrome (DS). The study surveyed 120 caregivers of patients with DS, with responses indicating that vaccination was generally well-tolerated in this patient population, as only 13% reported increased seizure activity. Additionally, over 50% of respondents reported their patient had no side effects.

Hood noted that patients with DS may have seizures after any vaccination, mostly likely due to fever, but seizures have also been reported following vaccination without a fever present. In light of COVID-19, there is a need for patients with DS to be vaccinated, but it remains an area of concern for patients, as well as their families and caregivers. In asking caregivers about patients’ response to COVID-19 vaccination, investigators aimed to develop a better understanding of how the process affects patients with DS. The survey further queried 158 caregivers whose patients had not been vaccinated, asking how they felt about the process and whether they planned to get their child vaccinated when eligible. Of these patients, 91 reported the patient would not plan to get vaccinated once eligible.

For more coverage of AES 2021, click here.