As the fall season approaches, health experts are urging Canadians to consider getting both their flu and COVID-19 vaccines simultaneously for additional protection against respiratory illnesses. Although these vaccines are not currently available, experts anticipate their rollout in mid-October, timing may vary by province or territory.
Despite the upcoming availability of these vaccines, experts understand that many Canadians may have reservations about receiving both shots. “I think people are tired of vaccines in general – especially the COVID vaccine. However, when we launch the public health campaigns for vaccination in mid-October, we want people to consider getting their COVID and flu shots together,” stated Dr. Brian Conway, medical director of the Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high vaccination uptake to prevent increased transmission and potential strain on the healthcare system.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has confirmed that individuals above six months of age can receive both the influenza vaccine and the COVID-19 shot during the same appointments. According to Dr. Zain Chagla, an infectious disease physician and associate professor at McMaster University, getting these vaccines together is safe and effective. He reassures Canadians that there is no compromise in the efficacy of the vaccines when administered simultaneously. Temporary soreness in the arms may be a potential side effect, which typically subsides within a day or two.
A study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) published in July 2022 showed no safety concerns with receiving both the flu vaccine and an mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine at the same time. However, the study did find a slightly higher likelihood of mild reactions such as fatigue, headache, and muscle ache compared to those who received only the COVID-19 mRNA booster vaccine.
Receiving both shots at once has additional benefits, especially for individuals who may struggle to schedule two separate visits. Dr. Chagla highlights that it also provides an opportunity for healthcare providers to ensure individuals are up to date with all their vaccinations.
In terms of accessibility, while family physician’s offices may only offer the flu shot, Dr. Conway hopes that the COVID-19 vaccine will be more widely available, supporting the public health message. He confirms that pharmacies will definitely have access to both vaccines simultaneously and are currently preparing to administer them.
To formulate the flu vaccine, Canada relies on data from the Southern Hemisphere, specifically Australia, to predict the upcoming flu season. The data from Australia for this year is encouraging, showing lower numbers of respiratory illnesses compared to previous years before the pandemic. This information helps scientists select the most effective strains for the flu vaccine. The vaccine usually protects against four different flu viruses, including two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses.
Dr. Jesse Papenburg, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, mentions that the influenza vaccine has shown around a 50% decrease in hospitalizations for those who received it compared to those who didn’t, based on data from the Southern Hemisphere. He encourages families, especially those with children at higher risk, to get vaccinated against influenza. Dr. Papenburg also supports getting a COVID booster alongside the flu shot, if possible, as co-administration has been shown to be safe and effective.
The rollout of both the flu shot and the updated COVID-19 vaccine will vary across provinces and territories but is expected to be available nationwide by October. Some regions are prioritizing high-risk populations before making the vaccines available to the general public.
-Includes files from the Canadian Press
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