We are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our staff and patients.

COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
As of August 17, 2021

To reduce any possible risk of exposure we are not allowing guests in the infusion suite. However, vaccinated guests are welcome to come in for appointments with the doctor.  Unvaccinated guests should wait in their cars and may join by phone.

All infusion patients will need to show proof of either vaccination or a negative COVID test within 7 days of their infusion.

 Recommendation for a booster vaccine:

The CDC and FDA have approved a third vaccine for immunocompromised patients who have already received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. There is no current recommendation for a third vaccine in patients who had the J&J vaccine.

 Patients who were vaccinated while on one of the following medications now qualify for a booster vaccine:

            Ocrevus (ocrelizumab)
            Rituxan (rituximab)
            Kesimpta (ofatumumab)
            Gilenya (fingolimod)
            Mayzent (Siponimod)
            Zeposia (ozanimod)
            Ponvory (ponesimod)

If you are being treated with Ocrevus or Rituxan, we recommend waiting 3 months or more after your last infusion before getting the booster. You should wait at least 3 weeks after the booster before having your next infusion. Please contact us with any questions.

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 We recommend having a test for the spike protein antibodies 3-4 weeks after your booster. Please contact the office to arrange for testing.


Patients who were vaccinated while taking any of the following medications do not qualify for a booster at this time:

            Copaxone (glatiramer)
            Avonex / Rebif (beta interferon)
            Tecfidera, Vumerity, dimethyl fumarate
            Aubagio (teriflunomide)
            Mavenclad (cladribine)
            Tysabri (natalizumab)

 It is likely that in the future, booster shots will become available to the general public. When that is announced, we will recommend that all of our remaining MS patients take it. 

We strongly recommend that all of our patients receive one of the available COVID vaccines. If you have not been vaccinated, we recommend doing so immediately.

COVID Vaccine FAQ
As of April 25, 2021:

Are the vaccines safe?
YES! The Pfizer and Moderna are mRNA vaccines that require 2 doses and the Johnson & Johnson is a single dose viral vector vaccine. All are safe for people with MS, regardless of what type of disease modifying therapy you are taking. As of April 23 the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is again available.

At this time, we are recommending that all of our patients with MS get vaccinated with any of the available vaccines. If you have any questions about being vaccinated you should contact your doctor. You can preregister to receive the vaccine HERE.

Do I qualify to get the vaccine?
The current plan in Massachusetts is to vaccinate people in 3 phases. You can find out if you qualify by visiting the Mass.gov website. On April 19th everyone over the age of 16 will be eligible to get vaccinated.

Use this map to find locations in Massachusetts to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination.

 Where do I get the vaccine?
The Mass.gov website has information on locations offering the vaccine for those who are eligible. See map for locations. Unfortunately, the Elliot Lewis Center will not be able to administer the vaccine.

Will I need a letter to document my diagnosis and/or treatment?
Thus far, doctors’ notes have not been required. We are not writing vaccine letters for patients at this time.

Will my MS medication interfere with the vaccine?
If you are on Ocrevus, Rituxan, or Kesimpta:
These medications reduce your B-lymphocytes (which create antibodies to fight infections) and may reduce your response to vaccines. While we don’t know for sure, it seems very likely that the coronavirus vaccines should provide some level of protection for patients on Ocrevus/Rituxan/Kesimpta.

It is not known if the timing of your infusion impacts the efficacy of vaccines. We are suggesting that you wait at least 2 weeks after your infusion of Rituxan or Ocrevus before getting vaccinated (if feasible). However, if you are offered the vaccine, our recommendation for most patients is to take the vaccine when it is available, rather than wait. If you have already been vaccinated, we recommend waiting at least 2 weeks after the second vaccine before getting your infusion. Please let us know when you have a specific date set for your vaccination, and we will advise you of any change of timing of your infusion.

If you are on Gilenya, Zeposia, or Mayzent:
It is possible that these medications may reduce the effectiveness of vaccines, but we still recommend that our patients be vaccinated. We do not recommend stopping these medications prior to being vaccinated because of the risk of relapse.

If you are on Mavenclad:
Mavenclad temporarily reduces your lymphocyte count for several months after a dose, though it is unclear if this reduces the effect of vaccines. We will decide the timing of vaccination on a case-by-case basis.

If you are on Aubagio, Tecfidera (or a fumarate drug), Tysabri, interferon, or glatiramer:
These medications are not known to interfere with vaccines and coronavirus vaccines should be effective.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidelines from The Elliot Lewis Center

The Elliot Lewis Center has the following procedures in place to keep patients and staff safe.

  • Masks are required for patients and staff

  • Patients may bring vaccinated guests to their appointments. Unvaccinated guests may join by phone.

  • The infusion center remains open at reduced capacity to ensure safety.

    • All infusion patients will need to show proof of either vaccination or a negative COVID test within 7 days of their infusion.

    • All infusion chairs are a minimum of 6 feet apart

    • No visitors may accompany a patient into the infusion room

    • Masks are required at all times. Because of this, eating and drinking are not allowed in the infusion room apart from water. Please have a snack or meal prior to your arrival time.

    • Temperature is checked for all infusion patients

  • Telehealth/virtual visits remain an option for some follow up visits depending on the circumstances. Please contact the office if you prefer telehealth.

Important Information about INSURANCE
Unfortunately, many people are unemployed and now uninsured due to COVID-19. If you lose your insurance, please contact the office immediately! We can enroll you in a free drug program so you can continue your disease modifying therapy without interruption. There is so much to be worried about these days but not having your MS medication is not one of them! Please contact the office by phone or email as soon as you have any CHANGE or LOSS of insurance!