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BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic, immune-mediated conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are often treated with long-term immunosuppressive therapies, potentially increasing their risk of developing an infection. Empiric data suggest that vaccines are underutilized in immunocompromised patients, despite published guidelines recommending their use. We aimed to assess exposure risk and immunization status among patients receiving care in an IBD specialty clinic.

METHODS

Patients completed a self-administered, pretested, structured questionnaire during a routine visit for the management of IBD. Survey questions related to medical and immunization histories, and exposures to known risk factors for influenza, pneumococcus, viral hepatitis, and varicella. Additionally, in a subgroup of patients who agreed to donate a sample of blood, immune status to hepatitis A (HAV), hepatitis B (HBV …