In this initial sample, 300 of 317 participants (95%) had detectable anti-spike antibodies after completing their COVID vaccine series indicating that the vast majority of patients with IBD mount an immune response following complete immunization.

Antibody responses were relatively similar across IBD medication classes, although slightly decreased among individuals taking steroid medications such as prednisone.

Although many questions remain and ongoing research efforts will help to further optimize immunization strategies for patients with IBD, these findings provide reassurance that most patients mount detectable humoral immune response to mRNA vaccinations and support current recommendations to vaccinate patients regardless of immunosuppressive treatment.

Treatment for inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, puts patients at risk of other infections, like influenza or the "flu", which could be prevented by vaccines. In a study of nearly 1000 patients with IBD, not enough said they were getting the vaccines they needed. Patients with a primary care physician and those taking immunosuppressive medications were more likely to get vaccines. The researchers recommend educating patients and encouraging gastroenterologists to ask and counsel patients on vaccines.