Expert consensus on vaccination in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in Japan

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Immunology
• Public Health

Background:

• Immunosuppressive therapies in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can impact vaccine efficacy and safety.
• Patients with IBD often require long-term immunosuppressive treatment, necessitating pre-treatment vaccination assessment.
• Risk factors for vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) are common in IBD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a consensus guideline for appropriate vaccination in pediatric and adult IBD patients in Japan.
• To provide critical information on VPDs, live attenuated vaccines, inactivated vaccines, and vaccination during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
• To support informed decision-making for physicians and patients regarding IBD vaccination.

Main Methods:

• Consensus development based on published literature and expert opinion.
• Selection of 19 clinical questions (CQs) covering VPDs, vaccine types, and special populations.
• Focus on vaccine-preventable diseases excluding cervical cancer and COVID-19.

Main Results:

• The consensus addresses 19 key clinical questions relevant to IBD vaccination.
• It covers recommendations for various vaccine types (live attenuated, inactivated) and specific patient groups.
• Guidance is provided for vaccination in the context of pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

Conclusions:

• Physicians should proactively inform IBD patients about VPDs and manage risks associated with immunosuppressive therapy.
• This consensus facilitates shared decision-making for optimal vaccination strategies in IBD care.
• Ensuring appropriate vaccination is essential for managing IBD patients and preventing VPDs.