

We concur with the National MS Society’s recommendation that individuals with MS should get the COVID-19 vaccination. There is not enough data as to whether patients who received Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine should have a booster of J&J or mRNA vaccine, and these patients are not included in this recommendation.ĬOVID-19 Guidance for People Living with MS.Patients should wait at least 28 days after first two doses.This will be a “honors system.” No extra documentation will be needed.An exception can be made if this is not possible. The third dose of mRNA vaccine should be, if possible, the same brand as the first two.Some exceptions may apply, so please ask your doctor if you are unsure. If you have MS but have not been on a disease modifying therapy within the last year, you are likely no longer immunosuppressed and do not currently need a third dose. If you are on a disease modifying agent for MS, you qualify as a patient who is moderately to severely immunocompromised based on the use of these immunomodulatory medications. We agree with the CDC recommendation for a third dose of the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer for 12 years and older, and Moderna for 18 years and older) for patients who are “moderately to severely” immunocompromised. If you are in North Carolina, please visit for available vaccine locations. Please continue social distancing and masking indoors to further prevent the spread of COVID-19. Vaccination against COVID-19 remains the best way to prevent severe disease, hospitalization, and death. The rise of COVID-19 cases in our community due to the Delta Variant has been very worrisome. We want to share the latest vaccine information we have with you.

Given that our neonatal team delivers the highest level of care available to premature and critically ill babies in Wake County, parents can rest assured that their baby is being cared for by a superior group of specialized physicians and nurse practitioners.Many of our patients living with chronic conditions, including MS, have ongoing questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.

If necessary, babies can be transferred to the WakeMed Raleigh Campus NICU for a higher level of medical care via our specially equipped and readily available Children's Transport Team. Our team of exceptional neonatal providers practices using state-of-the-art equipment and technology in a modern space that reflects healing and fosters family involvement in the care of their child. At WakeMed North, we have the capability to deliver babies as early as 34 weeks, and we are also equipped to accommodate twins. Our six-bed, Level II Special Care Nursery at WakeMed North is equipped with incubators, ventilators and the specialists trained to care for newborns requiring intensive medical care after birth. Our ultimate goal is to provide exceptional care for both babies and families. Our team also works closely with the hospital’s obstetrics team to collaborate and coordinate care of the newborn and the newborn’s family. Our neonatology team can stabilize the sickest babies and provide respiratory support, nutritional support, and thermoregulation to babies needing extra care after birth.

Our team of neonatologists and neonatal nurse practitioners care for ill newborns in the WakeMed North Level II Special Care Nursery, the WakeMed Raleigh Campus’ Level IV Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and WakeMed Cary Hospital’s NICU. However, at WakeMed North Hospital, we are fully prepared to care for and treat newborns that may need urgent, specialized care immediately following birth. No one plans on having a critically ill baby or a baby requiring special medical attention.
