Because it makes sense to have Covid-19 and flu vaccines together
From the first studies, no differences emerged in either safety or efficacy for both vaccines, with organizational benefits for health services and patients
(photo: Unsplash) Taking the flu together with the vaccine against Covid-19 does not seem to create problems: the adverse effects remain in most cases mild or moderate and there are no abnormalities in the development of the immune response. These are only the first data, but the formula "two vaccines in one session", in the manner specified by the health authorities, not only saves time for health services but has also been found to be the preferred choice by users (97%).The countries that, like Italy, have approved the possibility of administering the additional dose of the anti-Covid vaccine in conjunction with the flu vaccination did not do it by chance, but on the basis of data that, although preliminary, seem to all comforting.
For example, a British study, published in the Lancet pre-print, involved 679 volunteers between April and June 2021 to assess whether there were differences in safety and efficacy between simultaneous administration, i.e. in the same session, the second dose of the anti-Covid vaccine (Pfizer or Astrazeneca) and the flu vaccine (three different types have been tested) and the administration of vaccinations three weeks apart. In detail, the participants were divided into two groups. The first group was injected on the same day with a dose of Covid vaccine on one arm and a flu shot on the other. The second group was given the dose of anti-Covid vaccine and one of placebo. After three weeks, those who had not received the flu shot were called back for the actual administration.
After following people for six weeks in total, the researchers concluded that the adverse effects experienced by those who received both vaccinations at the same time were comparable in frequency and magnitude to those of those who received the vaccines separately. Furthermore, the results of the blood tests maintain that the simultaneous administration does not change the effectiveness of the two vaccinations.
To these data are added those of the company Sanofi Pasteur, which in a press release announced the preliminary results of the first study on the co-administration of one's own quadrivalent influenza vaccine and the third dose of Covid mRna vaccines over the age of 60.
This information comes at a particularly important time: on the one hand we are witnessing a decrease restrictive measures, with reopening and fewer bans, on the other hand we are at the gates of the flu season. The risk, experts say, is that of a double epidemic, which we must try to avoid. The formula of co-administration of the two vaccinations could facilitate the work of health workers involved in vaccination campaigns and reduce the load on the structures.
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Coronavirus Influenza Vaccines Coronavirus vaccine globalData.fldTopic = "Coronavirus, Influenza , Vaccines, Coronavirus vaccine "
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