COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background and aims: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy varies across the USA. Data on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are lacking. We assessed COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its associated variables in patients with IBD.

Methods: We evaluated voluntary patient survey responses during routine clinical visits to our IBD center. Data collected included demographic and clinical characteristics. Descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate significant associations with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.

Results: A total of 239 individuals completed the survey. Over a third of respondents (35.6%) expressed hesitancy toward receiving the COVID-19 vaccine due to vaccine safety concerns (49.4%) and efficacy (23.5%), while others reported non-specific concerns (34.1%). On univariate analysis, Crohn's disease (OR 2.33 CI 1.28-4.25 p = 0.0056), use of biologic medications (OR 1.93 CI 1.16-3.23, p = 0.012), previous self-reported vaccine refusal (OR 8.13 CI 2.90-22.82 p = 0.0001), earlier date of survey administration (OR 2.01 CI 1.17-3.44 p = 0.011), and self-reported COVID infection (OR 2.55 CI 1.16-5.61 p = 0.0056) were more likely to be associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. On multivariate analysis, patient age, previous vaccine refusal and date of survey administration were more likely to be associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.

Conclusions: Over one-third of patients with IBD expressed COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Vaccine safety and efficacy were the most common reasons. Younger age, previous vaccine refusal and earlier date of survey were more likely to be associated with hesitancy. Our findings suggest that there is room for targeted education to improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake in patients with IBD.