Study: There is no harm in receiving the corona and influenza vaccine at the same time

Britain faces the flu challenge in the winter with the easing of Corona restrictions

A British study showed that there is no harm in receiving a vaccine to prevent Covid-19 and a flu vaccine at the same time, as this does not negatively affect the immune response produced by either of them.

Britain and other northern hemisphere countries are preparing for a difficult winter in which flu cases are likely to increase as Covid-19 restrictions are eased and social distancing measures are eased.

Booster doses of Covid-19 are being given to the elderly, the most vulnerable and health workers in Britain, while Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government has also promised to launch the largest flu vaccination program in history this year.

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

“This is a really positive step that could mean fewer appointments for those who need the two vaccines,” said lead researcher Rajika Lazarus.

“The results of this study have been submitted to the Joint Committee on Immunization and Immunization for consideration and will assist policymakers in planning for the future of these important vaccination programs,” she added.

One group received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and the second dose of the influenza vaccine in the first visit, with a placebo given on the second visit, and another group received the COVID-19 vaccine and a placebo on the same day, followed by the influenza vaccine on the second day.

The study found that 97 percent of participants said they would be willing to receive two vaccines at the same time in the future.

The study was conducted on 679 volunteers at 12 sites across England and Wales. The full results are due to be published in The Lancet.