The workup process of vaccination in IBD patients needs a change—Insights from a multinational survey

Background

Immunosuppressive medications play a crucial role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) but increase susceptibility to infections, underlining the importance of vaccination. Nevertheless, vaccination rates are often low.

Aims

This study assessed the perspective of gastroenterologists (GEs) on vaccination of IBD patients.

Methods

An online survey was applied to GEs worldwide, from 10/2022 to 06/2023.

Results

The 271 respondents considered vaccination important, however, 26 % never/rarely prescribed vaccines and 60 % admitted having limited or no confidence on managing their side effects - GEs practicing in Europe, male and older more often felt capable of this. Female and younger participants were more aware of the need to alter the current workflow in vaccination. Some respondents proposed to delegate the responsibility of vaccination to general practitioners, nurses in gastroenterology units, or infectious diseases specialists, but 19 % considered that no change was needed.

Conclusion

Overall, the importance of addressing vaccine hesitancy, providing flyers to patients, and implementing vaccine guidelines were consensually recognized. The data indicated that the vaccination process needs reformulation and that different opinions/attitudes toward vaccines are influenced by demographic factors, workplace characteristics, affiliation, and teaching activities. Delegating the responsibility of vaccination and adopting a multidisciplinary approach seem like effective strategies to increase vaccination coverage among IBD patients.