Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics (Dec 2024)

Role of gastroenterologists and healthcare providers in promoting COVID-19 immunization among individuals with inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis on a global scale

  • Francesco Paolo Bianchi,
  • Maurizio Polignano,
  • Nicola Carella,
  • Ornella Rotolo,
  • Margherita Curlo,
  • Mauro Mastronardi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2024.2349319
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 20, no. 1

Abstract

Read online

ABSTRACTIndividuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are more susceptible to experiencing severe complications of COVID-19 if infected. Nevertheless, sub-optimal immunization rates have been reported among these patients. Our study aims to assess COVID-19 VH among a global population of patients with IBD and to investigate the role of healthcare professionals, particularly gastroenterologists, in promoting immunization. Twenty-six studies were systematically selected from scientific articles in the MEDLINE/PubMed, WoK, and Scopus databases from January 1, 2020, to September 15, 2023. The pooled prevalence of COVID-19 VH was 27.2% (95%CI = 20.6–34.2%). A significant relationship was evidenced between COVID-19 vaccine compliance and receiving advice from gastroenterologists or healthcare providers (OR = 2.77; 95%CI = 1.79–4.30). By leveraging their knowledge of IBD, familiarity with patient histories, and trusted patient-doctor relationships, gastroenterologists are pivotal in promoting vaccination. This patient-centered care is crucial in increasing vaccine acceptance among individuals with IBD, contributing to better public health outcomes.

Keywords