Cure8 research brief
People with IBD are at higher risk for shingles largely because of immunosuppressive treatments; an effective vaccine (RZV) is recommended by major societies but is underused in some places.
Adults with IBD (including Crohn's), patients on immunosuppressants or JAK inhibitors, gastroenterologists, primary care clinicians, and public-health planners.
This review summarizes evidence that people with IBD face an increased risk of herpes zoster — especially those on JAK inhibitors, combination immunosuppression, or high-dose steroids — and that RZV offers substantial protection (reported efficacy ~65%-90%) and reduces postherpetic neuralgia without increasing IBD flares.
Major guideline bodies (ACG, ECCO, ACIP) recommend RZV for IBD patients ≥50 years and for adults ≥19 years receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Real-world data support benefits across ages and treatment types, but implementation gaps exist in resource-limited settings; the authors suggest prioritising higher-risk patients when resources are constrained.
Based on the article abstract (review). Recommendations cited are from guideline bodies; this is not new randomized-trial data. Availability and cost vary by region and may limit implementation.
Review the original publication for the complete reporting, methods, and context.
Conflict statement: Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
This Cure8 brief is based on source text from the linked article. Cure8 is informational only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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