Trevor L. Schell, MD; Miguel A. Mailig, BS; Mazen Almasry, MBBS; Sarah Lazarus, BS; Luke J. Richard, MD; Katharine Tippins, BS; Jennifer Weiss, MD, MS; Mary S. Hayney, PharmD, MPH; Freddy Caldera, DO, MS
WMJ. 2023;122(5):450-455
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease on systemic corticosteroids may be at higher risk of adverse outcomes of COVID-19 infection, and vaccination is an essential preventive measure. Uptake of the original 2-dose COVID-19 messenger RNA (mRNA) primary vaccine series was previously high among patients with inflammatory bowel disease, while uptake of subsequent doses based on interval recommendations made by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice remains unknown. Herein, we evaluated uptake of 3 COVID-19 mRNA vaccine doses among patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Methods: We performed a single-center, retrospective study evaluating COVID-19 vaccine uptake among adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease residing in Wisconsin who were seen at the University of Wisconsin Digestive Health Center. Vaccination status as of April 30, 2022, was verified in the Wisconsin Immunization Registry. A multivariable logistic regression was performed with the primary endpoint of receipt of 3 COVID-19 vaccine doses. Secondary outcomes included identification of demographic and clinical variables associated with incomplete vaccination.
Results: A total of 1012 patients were identified; 728 (71.9%) patients received 3 COVID-19 vaccine doses. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that younger age (odds ratio [OR] 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01 – 1.03; P = 0.001), rural status (OR 3.44; 95% CI, 2.17 – 5.56; P < 0.001), underrepresented minority status (OR 3.85; 95% CI, 1.89 – 7.69; P < 0.001), and absence of influenza vaccination (OR 8.17; 95% CI, 5.41 – 12.33; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with incomplete COVID-19 vaccination.
Conclusions: Receipt of 3 COVID-19 mRNA vaccine doses is high overall among patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Younger age, underrepresented race/ethnicity, rural status, and lack of influenza vaccination are associated with incomplete COVID-19 vaccination.