The role of immunization in reducing infections in patients with IBD

Vaccine-preventable diseases are a major source of morbidity and mortality in patients with altered immune competence. Patients with IBD are considered to be significantly immunocompromised hosts, mainly because of the immunomodulatory medications they take. Routine and specific immunizations are important to consider in this population. Whenever possible, immunization should be considered prior to administering any immunomodulator in order to optimize the immunological response. Prior to foreign travel, IBD patients are best advised by travel medicine specialists familiar with this complex and vulnerable population.