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5PSQ-027 Compliance with herpes zoster vaccination recommendations in patients treated with JAK kinase inhibitors

ejhpharm · 2026-03-18 · canonical JSON source

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Background and Importance Patients in treatment with janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) have an increased risk of herpes zoster virus (HZV) infection. Since March 2021, a document on HZV vaccination recommendations has been available in our country, recommending vaccination of patients receiving JAKi therapy.Aim and Objectives The purpose was to analyse the degree of compliance with these recommendations in rheumatologic and digestive patients receiving JAKi therapy in a regional hospital.Material and Methods A retrospective and observational study of patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), Crohn’s disease (CD), or ulcerative colitis (UC) who received JAKi treatment was performed from March 2021 to March 2025. Variables analysed were: age, sex, diagnosis, anti-JAK treatment received, HZV vaccination, and HZV infection as a side effect.Results A total of 79 JAKi treatments were analysed, corresponding to 70 patients: 46 women with a median age of 55 (24–95) years. Forty patients were diagnosed with RA, 12 (17%) with AS, 8 with UC, 7 with PsA, and 3 with CD. Regarding treatment, 90% of patients received a single JAKi, 7% have received two JAKi, and another 7% have received three. Drugs used were: upadacitinib (40%), baricitinib (35%), tofacitinib (24%), and filgotinib (11%). Regarding HZV vaccination, 31 patients were given the opportunity to be vaccinated following the established recommendations, 14% before starting JAKi and 25% after starting them. The degree of acceptance was 80%. The 61% of patients did not have the option of vaccination. Regarding HZV infection as a side effect, two patients who had not been vaccinated developed HZV infection and discontinuation of JAKi was required.Conclusion and Relevance The degree of compliance with HZV vaccination recommendations in patients with rheumatic and/or digestive diseases receiving JAKi is relatively low in our hospital. Although the incidence of HZV infection observed in our patients was very low and similar to that described in various studies, discontinuation of treatment was required in both patients. This implies that HZV vaccination is essential. A vaccination protocol must be established in collaboration with Preventive Medicine Service to comply with these recommendations and to reduce the incidence of HZV in these patients.Conflict of Interest No conflict of interest