Shield protecting digestive system from infection.

IBD Alert: Are You Getting the Right Protection Against Infections?

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 3 min read.

"New research reveals gaps in opportunistic infection prevention for IBD patients on biologics – and how to close them."

If you're managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with biological agents like anti-TNF therapies, you're likely focused on controlling inflammation and improving your quality of life. But there's another critical aspect of your care that deserves attention: protecting yourself from opportunistic infections.

A concerning study presented at the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) 2014 meeting reveals significant gaps in the prevention of these infections in IBD patients on biological agents. The research highlights that many patients aren't receiving the recommended vaccinations, leaving them vulnerable to preventable illnesses.

This article dives into the study's findings and what they mean for you. You'll learn about the specific infections you should be aware of, the recommended preventative measures, and how to advocate for your health with your healthcare provider. Stay informed and empowered to protect yourself while managing your IBD.

The Vaccination Gap: What the Research Shows

Shield protecting digestive system from infection.

The study, conducted at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London, audited the preventative measures taken against opportunistic infections in IBD patients prescribed anti-TNF therapies. Researchers compared these measures to the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) guidelines, which recommend several key vaccinations:

Influenza (annual)
Pneumococcal
Hepatitis B
Varicella (chickenpox)
HPV (for women under 26)

The findings revealed a significant gap between the recommended guidelines and actual practice.

Here's a breakdown of the vaccination rates among the 46 patients whose vaccination history was available from their General Practitioner:

Taking Control of Your Infection Prevention

The research is a wake-up call to improve how we protect IBD patients on biological agents from opportunistic infections. Don't wait for your healthcare provider to bring it up—take the initiative and start the conversation.

Here are some actionable steps you can take:

By taking a proactive approach to infection prevention, you can minimize your risk and focus on managing your IBD effectively. Stay informed, advocate for yourself, and work with your healthcare team to create a comprehensive plan that addresses all aspects of your care.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

Why are people with IBD on biological agents more at risk of infections?

Individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) who are on biological agents, such as anti-TNF therapies, have a weakened immune system. This makes them more susceptible to opportunistic infections, which are infections caused by pathogens that typically wouldn't affect healthy individuals. The weakening of the immune system is a direct result of the biological agents, which are designed to suppress the immune response to reduce inflammation associated with IBD. Understanding this is crucial because it highlights the increased risk these patients face, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures.

What vaccinations are recommended for IBD patients?

The European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) guidelines recommend several vaccinations for individuals with IBD on biological agents. These include annual Influenza vaccinations, Pneumococcal vaccinations, Hepatitis B vaccinations, Varicella (chickenpox) vaccinations, and HPV vaccinations for women under 26. The purpose of these vaccinations is to protect against infections that can be prevented. The guidelines serve as a standard to ensure that IBD patients receive appropriate preventative care, reducing the risk of avoidable infections and improving patient outcomes. The study compared the actual vaccination rates to these guidelines, revealing a significant gap between what is recommended and what patients are receiving.

What are anti-TNF therapies, and how do they relate to infection risk?

Anti-TNF therapies are a type of biological agent used to treat IBD. They work by targeting and blocking tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a protein that causes inflammation. While effective in controlling inflammation and improving the quality of life for IBD patients, anti-TNF therapies can suppress the immune system. By suppressing the immune system, the body's ability to fight off infections is reduced, hence the increased risk of opportunistic infections.

What were the key findings of the study on IBD patients and vaccinations?

The research presented at the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) 2014 meeting highlights significant gaps in the prevention of opportunistic infections in IBD patients on biological agents. The study, conducted at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, revealed that many patients were not receiving the recommended vaccinations as per the ECCO guidelines. This gap means that IBD patients are potentially exposed to preventable infections, which can lead to serious health complications. Addressing this gap is essential to improving patient safety and care.

How can IBD patients take charge of their infection prevention?

To take control of infection prevention, IBD patients on biological agents should proactively discuss vaccination needs with their healthcare provider. Patients can ask about the recommended vaccinations, such as Influenza, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, Varicella, and HPV (for eligible individuals). Discussing any concerns or questions about vaccinations is also important. Being proactive helps ensure that they receive the necessary preventative care, thus reducing their risk of opportunistic infections, and improving their overall health outcomes. It's also important to be aware of any symptoms of infection and to seek prompt medical attention if they arise.