Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the COVID-19 booster vaccination
Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the COVID-19 booster vaccination
by Allison Lindstrom, NP
As of 8/16/2021, the CDC published guidelines regarding booster vaccinations for immunocompromised individuals. This is incredibly important to us at CGH as a certain portion of our patient population is currently being treated with medications that suppress the immune system in order to prevent progression of disease such as those with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis. If you are a patient with inflammatory bowel disease and are currently taking one or more of the following medications, you are eligible for a booster vaccination this fall:
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- Prednisone
- Azathioprine
- 6 – Mercaptopurine
- Methotrexate
- Remicade
- Humira
- Simponi
- Cimzia
- Entyvio
- Stelara
- Xeljanz
- Zeposia
Some frequently asked questions regarding the booster vaccination:
How soon after my initial series can I get by booster?
You must wait 4 weeks from the completion of your last vaccination series to receive a booster.
Can you mix your vaccines?
Patients who received either Moderna or Pfizer should receive the same dose if possible, however, as supplies may be limited in any given area, mixing with another mRNA vaccine is appropriate.
Mixing with the J&J vaccine is not recommended
While there be heightened side effects from the booster?
Reactions to the third mRNA dose were similar to that of the two dose series: fatigue and pain at the injection site.
If you are a patient with inflammatory bowel disease or are taking one of the above medications for another condition, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office for further guidance at 224-407-4400 or at www.compgihealth.com