P2605 - Assessing Pneumococcal Vaccination Gaps in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

Alexander M. Carlson, DO¹, Weam Altaher, DO¹, Ikjot Singh, MD¹, Courtney Dennis, MD², John Cleary, DO¹, Himaben Gohil, DO¹, Erin Ly, MD^1
1University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY; ²University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY

Introduction: Streptococcus pneumoniae

is a common pathogen that is most known for causing pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. It is responsible for approximately 150,000 hospitalizations in the United States each year, with about a 5% mortality rate. Those on chronic immunosuppressive therapy, such as the Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s Disease (CD) patients included in our study, are at an increased risk of developing pneumococcal disease. Here we present our retrospective study assessing pneumococcal vaccination rates amongst UC and CD patients on biologic therapy, with an aim to improve our center’s immunization rates in the future.

Methods: At a large county hospital, we identified 265 patients with IBD who were seen at our gastroenterology clinic from 2020 to 2023. Patients not on chronic immunosuppressive therapy were excluded from the study. Based on these criteria, 124 patients were included in the final analysis. We assessed vaccination rates using the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS). Patients taking Vedolizumab were included in the study.

Results: Of the 124 patients included in our study, a significant lack of immunity was observed. 45 patients (36.3%) received pneumococcal vaccinations. 79 patients (63.7%) did not received vaccinations. In the unvaccinated group, 26 patients (32.9%) were up to date on annual influenza vaccinations. In the vaccinated group, 31 patients (68.9%) were up to date on annual influenza vaccinations (Figure 1). There were no significant differences in age, age of diagnosis, race, or gender in these groups.

Discussion: This is the first in-depth look at influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates amongst inflammatory bowel disease patients who were seen at our hospital. County hospitals are often plagued with poor patient follow up and coordination of care. This study serves as a tool for the providers at our hospital and will hopefully prompt the reader to investigate their own practice.



Disclosures:


Alexander M. Carlson, DO¹, Weam Altaher, DO¹, Ikjot Singh, MD¹, Courtney Dennis, MD², John Cleary, DO¹, Himaben Gohil, DO¹, Erin Ly, MD¹. P2605 - Assessing Pneumococcal Vaccination Gaps in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients, ACG 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting Abstracts. Philadelphia, PA: American College of Gastroenterology.