S3187 Analyzing Influenza and Pneumococcal Immunization Rates in Inflammatory Bowel Disease in a Community Hospital Setting

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of vaccine preventable illnesses when compared to the general population. This risk is even greater in IBD patients that are being treated with biologics. Previous studies have reported vaccination rate of about 28% for influenza and 9% for pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine. Prior research has also noted a significant knowledge gap amongst providers regarding IBD vaccination recommendations. METHODS: This study is a retrospective chart review of patient electronic medical records and was approved by the Institutional Review Board. We analyzed data for IBD patients that were seen by their primary care physician and gastroenterologist in the outpatient department between the year 2016 to 2019. Immunization records were retrospectively analyzed and data for influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination was obtained. RESULTS: Between 2016 and 2019, 780 patients were seen in the gastroenterology and primary care clinics. The average age of the cohort was 66 years and the age range was 19 to 98 years. Up to 60% of the cohort subjects were females. The average vaccination rate across all years for influenza vaccine was 24% (vs 28% seen in previous literature studies) and for pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine was 15% (vs 9% seen in previous literature studies). Around 65% of the vaccinations were prescribed by the primary care physician in the primary care clinic rather than the gastroenterologist. CONCLUSION: IBD patients are at an increased risk of vaccine-preventable illnesses. Biological therapies and immunomodulator use further predisposes these patients to infections. Poor vaccination rates in IBD patients have been reported by several studies across the United States. Our study found that influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination rates are still suboptimal and that IBD patients are more likely to receive vaccination in the primary care clinic rather than gastroenterology clinic. It is thus crucial to educate primary care physicians regarding IBD vaccination recommendations as well as the use of immunomodulators and biologics in this population.