Experiences from COVID-19 vaccination in patients with epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the safety of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in patients with epilepsy (PWE) and their willingness to undergo vaccination.

METHODS

This study was a survey the survey questionnaire, which included general, epilepsy-specific, and COVID-specific questions, was completed by patients of the outpatient clinic and hospital ward at The Third Xiangya Hospital in 2021.

RESULTS

A total of 120 valid questionnaires were returned. Eighty-nine of 120 responders (74.2%) were not vaccinated, and 31 (25.8%) were vaccinated against COVID-19. Of the 31 vaccinated PWE, one (3.2%) had worsening of seizures and four (12.9%) had adverse reactions that were characteristic of the COVID-19 vaccine. The other 26 patients (83.9%) reported no adverse reactions, Moreover, there was no significant difference between the 18 PWE with well-controlled seizures and the 13 PWE with poorly-controlled seizures. Of the 89 unvaccinated PWE, 69.7% (62/89) were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, 28.1% (25/89) were unsure, and 2.2% (2/89) declined to be vaccinated.

SIGNIFICANCE

Among PWE, few adverse reactions occurred following the COVID-19 vaccination. Most PWE were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccination is safe for PWE.