COVID-19 shots offer durable protection in IBD population

Adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) benefit from COVID-19 vaccination, with its protective effect lasting up to 52 weeks postvaccination even among vulnerable populations such as corticosteroid users and older individuals, according to a study.

The prospective cohort study involved 1,869 participants with IBD who had been vaccinated against COVID-19. Researchers analysed SARS-CoV-2 antibody level 12 weeks after vaccination in relation to subsequent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Receiver operating curve analysis was used to assess for a threshold of protection. A separate analysis was conducted to look at factors associated with persistence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies 52 weeks postimmunization.

Of the participants, 43 percent contracted COVID-19 after vaccination. However, most infections were mild, with less than 1 percent requiring hospitalization.

Older age was associated with a reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection postvaccination (age 50–59 vs 18–29 years: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.57, 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 0.44–0.74), as was corticosteroid use (steroid users vs nonusers: aHR, 0.58, 95 percent CI, 0.39–0.87).

Nearly all (98 percent) participants had detectable antibody levels at 52 weeks postvaccination. Of note, antibody levels at 12 weeks and number of vaccine doses showed a positive association with higher antibody levels at 52 weeks, whereas antitumour necrosis factor alpha therapy had a negative association.