Administration of both COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccines during the same visit would have several benefits - by reducing the number of health care visits needed, providing timely protection against both diseases; and by decreasing the overall burden on health services.
Limited evidence now suggests that coadministration of COVID-19 vaccines with inactivated vaccines is acceptable in terms of immunogenicity and reactogenicity.
Therefore, WHO considers that coadministration of an inactivated seasonal influenza vaccine and any dose of a COVID-19 vaccine is acceptable, given that the known risk of serious illness for adults infected with influenza virus or SARS-CoV-2 is substantial. While there is no theoretical concern, WHO recommends using the contralateral limb for injection, when the two vaccines are administered during the same visit, to minimize any perceived risk. Continued pharmacovigilance monitoring of coadministration of the two vaccines is recommended[^1].
References:
- Coadministration of seasonal inactivated influenza and COVID-19 vaccines: interim guidance, 21 October 2021. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/346897
