Sharmeel K. Wasan

Background and Aims Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and underrepresented minorities (URMs) historically have below average vaccination rates. URMs have increased morbidity and mortality from COVID-19. We surveyed IBD patients to assess COVID vaccination attitudes, particularly among URMs. Methods In May and June 2021, all 822 adult patients with IBD, medically homed at a tertiary IBD referral center and safety net hospital, and with access to the electronic patient portal, were sent an electronic survey assessing their attitudes regarding COVID-19 vaccination. An additional 115 without access to the patient portal were contacted by phone. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. The primary outcome was vaccination hesitancy, defined as: likely will become vaccinated later this year, but not immediately; unsure if they will get the vaccine; or do not want the vaccine. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of factors associated with vaccination intent. Results The mean age was 46.6 years (SD 15.1). 210/1029 patients responded to the survey: 150/822 (18.2%) electronically and 60/115 (52.2%) by phone. Overall vaccine hesitancy rate was 11.9%, significantly higher in younger (aOR for 10-year increments, 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46–0.90, p = 0.011), Hispanic (aOR, 7.67; 95% CI, 2.99–21.3, p < 0.0002), and Black patients (aOR, 3.52; 95% CI 1.11–11.1, p = 0.050). Safety concerns were the most cited reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Conclusions URM patients were more vaccine hesitant. Future studies should further explore factors leading to lower vaccination rates among these groups and strategies to improve COVID-19 vaccination rates.

Background: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an elevated risk for infection which is further increased by immunosuppressive medications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of influenza, PVC13, PPSV23, and hepatitis B vaccines in adults with IBD treated with vedolizumab as compared to those treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents or nonimmunosuppressive therapy. Methods: In this prospective controlled trial, patients were vaccinated with the influenza, PVC13, PPSV23, and/or hepatitis B vaccines. Participants were grouped based on IBD medication regimen: (1) vedolizumab monotherapy, (2) vedolizumab plus immunomodulator, (3) anti-TNF plus immunomodulator, and (4) no immunosuppressive therapy (control). Vaccine responses were evaluated by comparing pre- and postvaccination titers. Disease activity and adverse events were monitored by the Harvey–Bradshaw Index or Simple Colitis Clinical Activity Index and by standardized phone interviews. Results: No serious adverse events or significant changes in disease activity were reported. For the influenza vaccine, baseline titers were high in all groups, and no follow-up titers met criteria for adequate response. For the pneumococcal vaccines, all groups showed response to vaccination; there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. For the hepatitis B vaccine, 62.5% of patients receiving vedolizumab and 33.3% receiving anti-TNF therapy achieved a level of response >10 mIU/mL. Discussion: The inability to observe a response to the influenza vaccine was influenced by high baseline titers. For the hepatitis B vaccine, patients treated with vedolizumab experienced immunogenic response to vaccination that was noninferior to nonimmunosuppressed controls. All studied vaccines were well-tolerated. Vaccination should be encouraged in all adult patients with IBD.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients are at an increased risk of developing herpes zoster (HZ), especially when immunosuppressed. HZ may be preventable with the herpes zoster vaccine (HZV), but many patients are not offered vaccination over concern regarding efficacy and fear of adverse events. Although the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that low-dose immunosuppression is not a contraindication, few IBD patients on these medications are receiving HZV.This study was a prospective clinical trial to assess the safety and immunogenicity of HZV among 2 groups of IBD patients. Group A consisted of 14 patients on low-dose immunomodulators and group B consisted of 25 patients either on 5-aminosalicylic acid or no IBD therapy. Blood samples were obtained to measure immune responses.HZ specific immunoglobulin G rose significantly in both groups but the response was lower in the immunosuppressed group (P = 0.0002). Peripheral blood mononuclear cell secretion of Tumor necrosis factor-α in response to HZ antigen increased after HZV in group B, but not in group A. Interleukin-8 secretion increased in both groups, but the response was much higher in group B. There were no significant differences in adverse events between groups. No patients developed a HZ-like rash within 1 year after vaccination.IBD patients on low-dose immunosuppressive therapy have a blunted immune response to HZV as compared with nonimmunosuppressed subjects. Despite this, immunosuppressed IBD patients are able to mount a statistically significant immune response. There were no serious adverse events to HZV.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) do not receive routine preventative care at the same rate as general medical patients. This patient population is at increased risk of vaccine preventable illness such as influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia. This review will discuss health maintenance needs and preventative care issues in patients with IBD.

Background. Immunosuppressive agents used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can increase the risk for infections, several of which are preventable throu

Background. The use of combination immunosuppressive agents is associated with reports of pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP). The aim of this study was to de