Results from a recent study published in JAMA Network Open have shown promising results regarding the simultaneous administration of mRNA COVID-19 and inactivated influenza vaccines. The study, which included 335 participants aged 5 years and older, aimed to compare the adverse effects of receiving both vaccines simultaneously versus receiving them sequentially, 1 or 2 weeks apart.
Participants in the study were divided into two groups: one group received both vaccines simultaneously, while the other group received them sequentially. The study found that participants who received the vaccines simultaneously had no more adverse effects than those who received them sequentially. The main outcomes of the study included reactogenicity, such as fever, chills, muscle aches, and joint pain, within seven days after vaccination. Serious adverse events and adverse events of special interest were also assessed for 121 days.
Interestingly, more than half of the participants had a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection or detectable antibodies to the virus at the time of enrollment. This could potentially impact the immune response to the vaccines.
The study also found that the proportion of participants with the primary composite reactogenicity outcome in the simultaneous group was noninferior to that in the sequential group. Severe reactions were reported in fewer than 13% of participants in either group, and no participants sought medical attention for a solicited reaction. Additionally, there was no difference between the two groups in health-related quality of life indexes.
The authors of the study concluded that simultaneous administration of mRNA COVID-19 and inactivated influenza vaccines is a safe and effective strategy to achieve high levels of vaccination coverage during periods of increased influenza and SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission. This could be particularly important in the ongoing effort to control the spread of COVID-19 and prevent outbreaks of seasonal influenza.
Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the safety and feasibility of administering these vaccines together, offering a potential solution to streamline vaccination efforts and protect individuals from multiple respiratory viruses simultaneously. Further research and monitoring will be needed to confirm these findings and ensure the continued safety and efficacy of this approach.
