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Carolyn Clementson B.Pharm (Read time 3.5 mins)
It’s that time of the year again! Time to think about your annual flu vaccination but what if you are due for your COVID-19 booster? What should you do?
We know that the best protection against becoming severely unwell with a COVID-19 infection is to ensure your vaccination status is up to date. Recently updated, the advice now is that all individuals aged 16 years and over are recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose to maintain an “up-to-date” status. This booster dose is recommended from 3 months after the last primary dose.
The flu (or influenza) is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract that can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications. It can affect people of all ages. Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone over 6 months of age and is the most effective means of preventing an infection.
Whilst we have seen lower levels of flu in Australia over the past two years, we have also seen a reduced uptake of flu vaccination. Lower vaccine coverage coupled with less exposure to the virus, may increase the risks associated with flu infection this year.
It is important to keep in mind that we may see another surge of COVID-19 during winter and there is a possibility of being infected with both COVID-19 and influenza at the same time. Up to date vaccination against both viruses is your best protection!
As evidence has emerged throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, health advice has been updated. Initially, the safety of administering COVID-19 vaccines alongside other vaccines was unknown and separating vaccinations was recommended. This is no longer the case. Whilst, it is probably still good practice to separate vaccines to reduce the likelihood of adverse effects, there are no safety concerns with receiving your COVID-19 booster and flu vaccinations at the same time.
Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse pharmacists are ready to fight the flu in 2022 whilst continuing the fight against COVID-19. This year, there will be the option to book your COVID-19 and flu vaccination in the same appointment. Click here to book now.
