Inflammatory Bowel Disease and COVID-19 Vaccination: A Patients' Survey

Background Vaccination against COVID-19 is a major public health challenge, including the community of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Vaccination coverage is suboptimal in inflammatory bowel disease population. It is of paramount importance to ensure an effective and rapid vaccination program with the adherence of the largest number of well-informed patients. Aims We assessed the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among inflammatory bowel disease patients. Methods We performed a survey as part of routine practice, between January 8th and February 22nd, 2021. All consecutive adult patients followed at Nancy University Hospital for inflammatory bowel disease were included. Patients completed a self-administered, structured, paper-based questionnaire. Demographic data, medical history, knowledge, and perceptions of COVID-19 vaccination were collected. Results Among the 104 patients who responded to the survey, 57 patients (54.8%) had intent to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine efficacy, social responsibility, herd immunity, and desire to return to normal life were associated with self-reported willingness to receive a vaccine (20.2%, 20.2%, 11.5%, and 15.4%, respectively). Unknown long-term safety, risk of adverse reaction to vaccine and concern that the vaccine is being developed too quickly were the most commonly reported reasons for non-uptake (27.9%, 15.4%, and 12.5%, respectively). Conclusion Half of the patients with inflammatory bowel disease would like to be vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. This rate is similar to that reported in the French general population. Despite some concerns, patients with inflammatory bowel disease understood the necessity to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Automated summary

Approximately half of patients with inflammatory bowel disease are willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, citing reasons such as vaccine efficacy, social responsibility, herd immunity, and the desire to return to normal life. Reasons for vaccine hesitancy include unknown long-term safety, risk of adverse reactions, and concerns about the speed of vaccine development. Despite some concerns, patients with inflammatory bowel disease recognize the necessity of being vaccinated against COVID-19.