Now that more people with IBD have been fully vaccinated, we are seeing research and data gathered on this group in particular. One study, published back in April 2021, showed positive and very promising results in those on a biologic with IBD and vaccine antibody responses. I do want to note that only Pfizer and Moderna were studied in this particular trial. However, of the 41 people tested, all of them created antibodies as the vaccine intends! And of all 41 people, about 85% had reached levels that would qualify for convalescent plasma donation. This is huge news for IBD patients, and is a promising step forward to returning to a social ‘normal’. Â
All IBD patients tested also showed that after both doses of vaccine, they had very similar antibody responses to the control group. Many patients take biologics for their IBD, and at the beginning of vaccination many GI doctors were anxious to see how their IBD patients would do with making antibodies. This, the third official study for IBD patients and COVID-19 vaccination, has given the gastro community solid evidence and reassurance for their patients. In this most recent study, they looked at Entyvio, Stelara, TNF therapy, and Tremfya. They did note that those taking immunomodulators like Azathioprine produced lower antibody levels, which will need some further investigation.Â
There has also been one other large study done in Britain showing positive data for IBD patients worth noting. It was much larger than the American study with 1,293 IBD patients, and it only tested Pfizer and AstraZeneca. The majority of patients making up this group were on Remicade, at almost 70%, while the rest were on Entyvio. The good news? Almost everyone made antibodies! Again, showing justification for IBD patients to become vaccinated. The bad news? Those on Remicade and an immunomodulator made the least number of antibodies at about 27%. However, there is more good news, those on only one therapy had an almost 75% positive response in antibodies. Â
With both these studies we saw a very similar positive response in IBD patients on biologics. Remember that both these studies were done after patients received both vaccinations. Only receiving one will severely limit your chance of making enough antibodies, and you should consider yourself unvaccinated until two weeks after receiving your second dose. Although masks are still a good idea, especially for those on dual therapy. These positive results have given the IBD community hope and good reason for vaccination. Speak to your doctor to make sure it is right for you first, and be sure to get your second dose. We can all do our part by getting vaccinated, protecting not only ourselves, but everyone around us. Together we can get back to a more normal future.Â
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