Want to get your Covid-19 vaccine and flu jab at the same time? You can, according to UK study

It is safe for people to receive a Covid-19 vaccine and a flu shot at the same time and does not negatively affect the immune response produced by either, a British study found last week.

Britain and other northern hemisphere countries are bracing for a tough winter and the possibility of a surge in flu cases as Covid-19 restrictions are eased and social distancing measures relaxed.

Booster Covid-19 shots are being given to elderly and vulnerable people and to health workers in Britain. Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government has also promised the biggest flu vaccination programme in history this year.

The study, led by the University of Bristol, found that reported side effects were usually mild to moderate in tests with three flu vaccines and either Pfizer or AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 shots.

“This is a really positive step which could mean fewer appointments for those who require both vaccines,” said chief investigator Rajeka Lazarus.

“The results of this study have been presented to the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for their consideration and will aid policymakers in planning the future of these important vaccination programmes.”

Shots were given on the same day but in opposite arms.

One group had a Covid-19 shot and a flu jab in a first visit, with a placebo given in a second visit, and another had a Covid-19 shot and a placebo given on the same day, followed by a flu vaccine on the second day.

The study found 97% of participants said they would be willing to have two vaccines at the same appointment in future.

The study involved 679 volunteers at 12 sites across England and Wales, and was released as a preprint, with full results due to be published in the Lancet.

Reuters