Are patients with inflammatory bowel disease receiving adequate immunisation?

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Gastroenterology
• Public Health

Background:

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) treatments can increase infection risk.
• Vaccinations are essential for comprehensive IBD patient care.
• Understanding immunization adherence in IBD is critical for preventing infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe immunization indications and adherence in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients.
• To identify factors associated with vaccination status in IBD patients.
• To assess the current state of vaccine uptake in a Chilean IBD cohort.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, analytic study was conducted in an IBD Program in Chile.
• Data collected via vaccine survey and National Immunization Registry.
• Descriptive and association statistics (χ², p<0.05) were employed.

Main Results:

• Only 2% of 243 IBD patients (148 UC, 86 CD) had a complete immunization schedule.
• Highest vaccine uptake: influenza (67%), hepatitis B (40%), pneumococcal (34%).
• 23% of patients received no vaccines due to time, prescription, or cost barriers.

Conclusions:

• Vaccination rates in this IBD cohort are higher than previously reported but still suboptimal.
• Adherence to the IBD immunization program requires improvement.
• Vaccination should be considered by the multidisciplinary team from the time of IBD diagnosis.