A simultaneous vaccination against Covid-19 and the flu does not affect the efficacy or safety of either vaccine, according to a recent study conducted by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and the University of Bristol. With the potential for a resurgence of Covid-19 cases in the upcoming winter, coupled with an anticipated strong flu season, experts suggest that a combined vaccination against both viruses could be beneficial. However, the safety of administering both vaccines simultaneously has been a topic of debate in the medical community, with some recommending a minimum two-week interval between vaccinations.
The study, which involved 679 participants in Wales and England who had already received their first dose of either the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine from Pfizer/BioNTech or the ChAdOx1 vector-based vaccine from Oxford/AstraZeneca, found that all six combinations of the flu vaccine and Covid-19 vaccine were equally well-tolerated as a single Covid-19 vaccine. The study used three different flu vaccines and participants received either a simultaneous vaccination or a flu vaccine three to four weeks after their Covid-19 vaccine. The results showed no difference in the efficacy of the Covid-19 vaccine between the single and combined vaccinations.
According to Rajeka Lazarus, there are no concerns that would discourage a simultaneous vaccination against the flu and Covid-19. With the potential for a double threat of respiratory illnesses this winter, the study’s findings provide reassurance that a combined vaccination is safe and effective.
