Quick Shot #15 Answer
Answer: He is eligible for a full vaccine series including two booster shots appropriately timed
Vaccination against the COVID19 virus has been shown to be effective at preventing severe disease including hospitalization and intubation. Patient’s with IBD on immunosuppressive therapy are at increased risk of severe complications due to infection with the virus. Studies have shown similar levels of adverse outcomes of which the majority were non severe malaise, fatigue, fevers and chills. A recent meta-analysis showed worse outcomes (hospitalization and ICU admission) in those on mesalamine or corticosteroids compared with anti-TNF agents.
At this time (August 2022), the CDC and Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation both recommend an additional booster (4th shot for those immunized with Pfizer/Moderna vaccine or 3rd shot for those immunized with the Johnson and Johnson Vaccine) to provide additional protection in immunosuppressed patients who may generate less of a response to each individual vaccine. For patients with IBD, this includes those on chronic steroids, those on anti-TNF therapies, and those on immunomodulators.
- COVID-19 Vaccines for People who are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised
- COVID-19 (Coronavirus): What IBD Patients Should Know
- Tripathi K, Godoy Brewer G, Thu Nguyen M, Singh Y, Saleh Ismail M, Sauk JS, Parian AM, Limketkai BN. COVID-19 and Outcomes in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2022 Aug 1;28(8):1265-1279. doi: 10.1093/ibd/izab236. PMID: 34718595; PMCID: PMC8574492.