New guidance: Should COVID vaccines and the flu shot be given together this fall?

Should COVID-19 vaccines and the flu shot be given together this fall? According to new guidance from the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the answer is yes. “Co-administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines can provide a critical opportunity to increase protection of patients and the community against the dual impacts of the respiratory illness caused by these viruses, as highlighted by this publication,” the guidance read. Flu shot coverage remains below the World Health Organization’s target of 75% of people 65 and older in almost all countries. According to a survey by the Public Health Agency of Canada, in 2021-2022, 71% of Canadians older than 64 were vaccinated. Co-administering both COVID-19 and influenza vaccines can improve uptake of both of them, the FIP guidance argued. Offering the vaccines together can increase uptake rates for both, as it doesn’t require people to come back for a second visit—with pharmacists and staff able to save time, too. “It’s a safe and effective win-win for people and healthcare professionals," the FIP noted. Read: Study examines systemic reaction rates with concurrent COVID-19 and flu vaccines The WHO has recommended against this combination in the past, instead recommending keeping a two-week interval between the COVID-19 vaccine and any other vaccines. However, it has since reviewed its recommendation, now saying “coadministration of an inactivated seasonal influenza vaccine and any dose of a COVID-19 vaccine is acceptable, given that the known risk of serious illness for adults infected with influenza virus or SARS-CoV-2 is substantial.” The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) guidance also says that for those over four years old, having the flu shot at the same time as COVID-19 vaccines “is acceptable and may increase program efficiency.” The FIP guidance also says pharmacists are well-positioned to highlight the benefits of vaccines to high-risk groups, who are often frequent customers at pharmacies already. Read: Ontario's kids need to catch up on standard vaccine

New guidance: Should COVID vaccines and the flu shot be given together this fall?

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