Moves in Victoria to ditch the 14-day recommended interval between influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations could easily be extended to millions of other at-risk Australians, a leading vaccination expert says.

Last week, Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly wrote to immunisation providers in Victoria saying the interval recommended by ATAGI could be ignored in the interests of vaccinating aged care staff and residents as soon as possible.

“This will not have an impact on the effectiveness of the two vaccines but rather ensure that our most vulnerable are protected at a time when COVID-19 is circulating more readily within the community,” he said.

Professor Kelly later told reporters the “main reason” for the initial advice had been to make tracking adverse events easier, adding “there’s no safety element or difficulty with mixing”.