We have recently received a statement from the BSG (British Society of Gastroenterology) recommending COVID vaccinations for all IBD patients
Essentially they have made 5 recommendations
RECOMMENDATION 1: We strongly support SARS-CoV2 vaccination for patients with IBD.
RECOMMENDATION 2: The risks of SARS-CoV2 vaccination in IBD patients are anticipated to be very low.
RECOMMENDATION 3: In IBD patients taking immunosuppressive drugs, including biologics and small molecule inhibitors, the key concerns are related to the theoretical risk of sub-optimal vaccine responses rather than vaccine side effects.
RECOMMENDATION 4: We recommend that IBD patients accept whichever approved SARS-CoV2 vaccination is offered to them, in accordance with UK Department of Health and Social Care and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
RECOMMENDATION 5: It is important that patients with IBD are offered consistent and unbiased advice. This will be disseminated through the BSG and Crohn’s & Colitis UK.
Click on this link to read more.
What is not so clear, is the optimal timing of the vaccinations. There has not been any specific recommendations, but locally (at the L&D) we are recommending that anyone on Biological therapy has this placed mid-way through their infusion cycle (ie. If you receive Infliximab every 2 months we would suggest you plan to have your vaccination at the 1 month mid-point). This should avoid the peak of the immunosuppressive effect, whilst also leaving a suitable gap for the vaccination to induce its desired immune response.