Herpes Zoster Infection and Herpes Zoster Vaccination in a Population-Based Sample of Persons With IBD: Is There Still an Unmet Need?

BACKGROUND

We aimed to report the rates of herpes zoster infection (HZI) before and after the introduction of herpes zoster vaccine (HZVac) and to determine the rates of HZVac after it became available in Manitoba in 2009.

METHODS

We used the population-based University of Manitoba IBD Epidemiology Database to identify cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and controls (1984-2016) who were diagnosed with HZI before and after 2009 and to determine the rate of HZVac in those older than age 50 years. Further, we explored predictors of receipt of HZVac among persons with IBD.

RESULTS

Persons with IBD vs matched controls have higher rates of HZI before diagnosis and postdiagnosis. HZI rates before 2009 per 1000 person-years were increased in persons with IBD (9.2) vs controls (7.2, P < 0.0001). Persons with IBD compared with controls were more likely to get HZVac (15.5 vs 12 per 1000 person-years). Persons newly diagnosed with IBD after 2009 and of higher socioeconomic status were more likely to get HZVac. Despite the introduction of HZVac, there was a steady rise in HZI throughout the study period (annual percent change in infection rates of +0.54, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The increased risk of HZI in IBD may reflect an inherent risk associated with the disease or, in those already diagnosed, an increased risk secondary to the use of immunomodulating drugs. HZVac rates are very low, which may reflect physician and patient knowledge of the vaccine's availability and utility and the fact that it is not covered by the provincially provided health care plan.