Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccines Can Be Administered Simultaneously
COVID-19 and influenza vaccines can be administered concurrently at different anatomic sites with no waiting period required between them. 1, 2
Timing Recommendations
- COVID-19 vaccines can be administered simultaneously with influenza vaccines at different anatomical sites, which improves vaccination coverage and efficiency 1
- When administering vaccines with increased reactogenicity (e.g., adjuvanted or high-dose influenza vaccines) along with COVID-19 vaccines, they should be injected into different limbs 1
- There is no required waiting period between COVID-19 and inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV) 2
- For live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), if not administered simultaneously with other live vaccines, a 4-week interval is recommended 3
Administration Guidelines
- Multiple vaccines should be given at separate anatomic sites to avoid potential local reactions 2
- Individual vaccines should not be mixed in the same syringe unless specifically approved for mixing 2
- Concurrent administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines has been shown to enhance spike-specific antibody responses compared to separate administration 4
Special Considerations
- Minor illnesses, with or without fever, are not contraindications to receiving either influenza or COVID-19 vaccines 3
- For patients with moderate to severe illness, including COVID-19, vaccination should be deferred until resolution of the acute illness 3
- Children with confirmed COVID-19 can receive the influenza vaccine when the acute illness has resolved and/or the illness is mild 3
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Delaying vaccination to administer vaccines separately when they can be given simultaneously may lead to missed opportunities for vaccination 2
- Unnecessarily spacing out vaccines can leave individuals vulnerable during peak respiratory virus season 1
- Failing to recognize that the benefits of concurrent administration include improved vaccination coverage and patient convenience 2
Specific Guidance for Special Populations
- For immunocompromised individuals, inactivated vaccines (both influenza and COVID-19) are generally preferred over live vaccines 3
- For healthcare personnel who receive LAIV, they may continue to work in most hospital units using standard infection control techniques, but should restrict contact with severely immunocompromised patients for 7 days 3
- Pregnant individuals may receive inactivated influenza vaccines at any time during pregnancy to protect themselves and their infants 3
Remember that annual vaccination against both influenza and COVID-19 is recommended for eligible individuals to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with these respiratory infections 5, 6.