Background: Patients with moderate-severe inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are commonly treated with long-term immunosuppressive therapies involving immunomodulators such as thiopurines, biologics (anti-TNF and anti-adhesion molecules), or novel small molecules such as Janus kinase inhibitors.
Summary: Some infections seen with immunosuppressive therapy in IBD are preventable with vaccines. IBD-specific immunosuppressive therapy is generally initiated by gastroenterologists. Therefore, gastroenterologists should comprehend the appropriate application of vaccines such as hepatitis B, pneumonia, and herpes zoster vaccinations. This review summarizes the current guidance for vaccinations of IBD patients in the United States.
Key message: Gastroenterologists treating IBD patients must be aware of necessary vaccination schedules in the setting of immunosuppressive therapies.
Keywords: Crohn's disease; Immunosuppression; Inflammatory bowel diseases; Ulcerative colitis; Vaccination.