NP-114: Lesson Learned: Management of patients with Multiple Myeloma (MM) and their response to two doses of COVID-19 RNA vaccine

Introduction COVID-19 has resulted in a global, social and economic disruptions, especially a widespread shortage in supplied and stress on the healthcare system. The global effort to develop an effective vaccine was monumental. The COVID-19 mRNA vaccine is effective in preventing morbidity and mortality in a phase 3 clinical studies. Evidences by Addeo et al, 2021, note that some individuals with underlying comorbidities may mount suboptimal response to the COVID immunization. MM patients are immune-compromised due to a defect in immunity as well as immunosuppressed due to therapy. Cognizant of these key factors during the pandemic, oncology Advance Practice Practitioners (APP’s), nurses, physicians, and staff at Mount Sinai convened to explore if MM patient on active treatment were able to mount a response to COVID 19 RNA vaccine and the considerations if patient showed no response. Based on these, the group determined: (1) Continue to practice Social distancing: Social distancing is an essential step in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing is reducing physical interaction between people and it lowers the chances of spreading illness between people. Practice social distancing by putting space (at least 6 feet) between yourself and others. Inside your home: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members. Outside your home: Put 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household. (2) Continue to Wear a Mask: wear a mask in indoor public places. In areas with high incidences of COVID-19 cases, consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated. (3) Encourage all family members > 12 years old to be fully vaccinated