COVID immunisation schedule may complicate flu jab rollout

Description

Uncertainty remains over whether the two vaccines can be administered concurrently, and how that will affect seasonal influenza shots....

However, while it ‘might complicate’ the monitoring of side effects, Professor Mark Morgan, Chair of the RACGP Expert Committee – Quality Care (REC–QC), told newsGP he would prefer to see both vaccines rolled out simultaneously, once available.
 
‘Many vaccines are administered together so it makes sense for the GP-administered COVID-19 vaccine program to undertake simultaneous delivery of influenza immunisations,’ he said.
 
‘Societal benefits are likely to outweigh this problem [of potential interactions] … but clear advice with evidence and explanation for GPs will be essential once decisions are made.
 
‘The flu vaccine seems to be a lower priority than the COVID vaccine, given low transmission rates of influenza when we are following COVID advice. Plus COVID impacts are so dramatic that it would seem wrong to interrupt the rollout of any COVID vaccination once it’s been approved and is available.’ 

Subject

COVID-19 Vaccine

Influenza Vaccine

General Practice