Why it’s better to give simultaneous COVID-19 and flu vaccines in different arms: Aussie study
Doherty Institute researchers found vaccinating in the same arm could negatively affect COVID-19 immunity.
When patients front up for their COVID-19 booster and influenza vaccine on the same day, should GPs recommend they put forward one arm or two?
The answer is two, according to findings from a small study by the Doherty Institute.
Each of the 55 participants received the Moderna Omicron XBB.1.5-containing COVID-19 mRNA booster (Spikevax) and the CSL quadrivalent unadjuvanted influenza vaccine (Afluria), with half randomised to receive the vaccines in the same arm and the remainder in separate arms.
Researchers had hypothesised that the adjuvant in the COVID-19 vaccine would boost the immune response to the flu vaccine if the vaccines were given at the same site.
