N030 Real benefits of IBD nurse-led clinics: Improving awareness and uptake of the HPV vaccine in IBD patients

Abstract

Background: HPV is the most commonly sexually transmitted infection in the world (Rahier et al., 2014). Studies have shown that HPVrelated abnormalities were more frequently detected in women who were diagnosed with IBD than levels detected in healthy controls groups (Batia et al., 2006 and Kane et al., 2008). ECCO guidelines suggest that immunosuppressive agents including anti-TNF blocker could increase the risk of HPV infection. Current vaccines offer 95-100% protection against HPV infection. HPV vaccination is recommended in females aged between 11 and 14 years up to the age of 26 years prior to the onset of sexual activity. In some country it is also recommended in males. It is a non-live vaccine. Ireland introduced a national HPV vaccination programme in 2010. All females in the first year of secondary school (13 years) are offered the vaccine free of charge. However, due to unconfirmed side effects uptake of the vaccine has been negatively affected. The uptake of the HPV vaccine in the national immunisation program in Ireland is 72.3 %. The aims of this study were to establish the uptake of the HPV national immunisation program in females with IBD on biologic therapy and to explore whether an IBD nurse HPV vaccination clinic would impact positively on the uptake of the vaccine in female patients with IBD on a biologic therapy who had previously declined the vaccine. Method(s): Cross-sectional survey of female IBD patients (n = 16) attending an adult territory referral centre between the ages of 16-26 receiving biologic therapy. Result(s): Of the 16 patients who were contacted 5 patients said that the national vaccination programme was not available to them. In total the national vaccination programme was only available to 11 females. 72% (8) had availed of the vaccine and 28% (3) did not. Qualitative data revealed that respondents who had not availed of the vaccine expressed a concern regarding the safety profile of the vaccine as well as parental concerns as a contributing factor in their decision-making. However, when HPV vaccine information was included in an IBD Nurse led Clinic 2 of the 3 females who had previously declined to be vaccinated consented to vaccination. Conclusion(s): The uptake of the HPV vaccine in the female IBD population in this cohort is in line with the national program. Including HPV information in a nurse led IBD clinic for patients on biologics can improve the uptake of the HPV vaccine and in doing so help reduce the risk profile for of cervical cancer. The provision of accurate information and patient education are important factors as part of individualised care plans.