Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for IBD Patients

Appointment Changes at Cincinnati Children’s

We have resumed regular scheduling of all appointments including new second opinion visits for IBD and routine follow-up visits either in person or as virtual Telehealth appointments.

We have also resumed scheduling of elective outpatient procedures.

If you have questions for your clinical team, contact them via MyChart or call the GI office for more urgent concerns at 513-636-4415.

Info on Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and COVID-19

• It is important to emphasize that we do not have substantial data to demonstrate that patients with IBD are at higher risk for contracting COVID-19.
• You should continue to take all your IBD medications as prescribed.
• We recommend following standard practices to avoid any viral illness:
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• For the most up-to-date information specific for IBD patients, visit the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation website: What IBD patients should know about novel 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 Vaccination information:

• We recommend the COVID-19 vaccination for all patients 6 months and older.

• The primary series includes three COVID-19 vaccines (monovalent).

• The booster vaccine (bivalent) is recommended for children 5 years and older.

• Current CDC Guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination (by age and manufacturer):

• 6 months through 4 years

• Moderna: three primary vaccines separated by four weeks each.

• Pfizer-BioNTech: three primary vaccines separated by three weeks between dose one and dose two and eight weeks between dose two and dose three.

• Booster dose is NOT yet recommended for this age group.

• 5 years through 11 years

• Moderna: three primary vaccines separated by four weeks each.

• Pfizer-BioNTech: three primary vaccines separated by three weeks between dose one and dose two and four weeks between dose two and dose three.

• Booster vaccine (bivalent) is recommended two months after the primary series is complete (only the Pfizer-BioNTech is approved for 5-year-old patients).

• 12 years and older

• Moderna: three primary vaccines separated by four weeks each.

• Pfizer-BioNTech: three primary vaccines separated by three weeks between dose one and dose two and four weeks between dose two and dose three.

• Novavax: two primary vaccines separated by three weeks.

• Booster vaccine (bivalent) is recommended two months after the primary series is complete.

• Any patient >18 years old who received the Janssen vaccine should receive additional mRNA vaccine (monovalent) four weeks after the Janssen vaccine and a Booster vaccine (bivalent) two months later.

• Patients with known current COVID-19 infection should defer any COVID-19 vaccination, including booster vaccination, at least until recovery from the illness.

• May want to consider delaying a primary series dose or booster dose by three months from symptom onset or positive test.

• It is okay to get the influenza (flu) vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.

COVID-19 Treatments to Take at Home

• Antiviral (oral) medications are available for children 12 years old and older who are immunocompromised and test positive for COVID-19.
  • These medications can reduce your chances of being hospitalized or critically ill from COVID-19.
  • Call your treatment team right away after a positive test as these oral medications must be started within five days after you first develop symptoms.