OLDER Brits are being told to get their flu and Covid booster jabs as soon as possible ahead of winter.
Experts say it is “safe” to get them at the same time if invited to do so.
But some may be wary of the side effects wiping them out for days on end if they get a jab in each arm.
Here we look at whether getting a Covid booster and flu jab simultaneously will make the side effects worse.
Why are people getting both vaccines?
This winter sees the threat of both flu and the coronavirus circulating at a high level.
Public health chiefs say it is vital for the most vulnerable to have optimal protection from both diseases.
They can individually cause severe illness, but co-infection could be significantly worse.
All over-50s will be invited by the NHS for a Covid booster shot six months after their second dose, and a free flu vaccine.
They may get an invite to get both at one session, should the timing of their eligibility co-align.
Is it safe?
Experts say the vaccines are safe to get at the same time.
The Combining Influenza and Covid-19 Vaccination (ComFluCov) study looked at whether it was safe to give both jabs together, or one week apart.
The clinical trial found no negative impacts on the immune response produced by either vaccine when both were given on the same day, in opposite arms.
Six combinations of vaccines were trialled in 670 participants, using two Covid vaccines and three flu vaccines.
Participants were all receiving their second Covid dose, not a booster.
Some were given their flu jab at the same time while others were given a placebo.
One week later, those who got a placebo were given the flu jab and vice versa in order to see who suffered more side effects.
Some 97 per cent of participants said they would be willing to have two vaccines at the same appointment in the future.
The data has been released as a preprint, and has not yet been through peer-review.
Are side effects worse when you get the flu and Covid booster together?
Professor Andrew Preston, Department of Biology and Biochemistry at University of Bath, said the data on side effects is limited.
Speaking of the ComFluCov study, he told Trending In The News: “Overall, there was a slight increase in side effects reported when receiving the two vaccines together, compared to those receiving the placebo.
“But, these were all mild to moderate effects, so nothing out of the ordinary for vaccines, so short lived and not requiring medical attention.”
Of those who got jabs at the same time, 85.2 per cent had at least one local side effect compared to 81.7 per cent in those who just got the Covid jab.
Pain at the injection site was the most common of all local side effects.
“Importantly, having the two jabs together did not alter the immune response to either vaccine,” Prof Preston said.
“So, although there hasn’t been a direct test of administering a flu jab with a Covid booster, all indications are that it will be safe and effective.”
Prof Preston stressed the importance of people to “act now” and get the vaccines they are invited for.
He said: “It is important for people to act now, while they are still healthy. Delaying increases the risk of contracting the illness.
“A major concern is that flu will sweep back with a vengeance. Once it arrives on our shores, if our immunity to it is low then it could sweep through very quickly. And COVID isn’t disappearing anytime soon.”
Dr Peter English, Retired Consultant in Communicable Disease Control, said: “People certainly shouldn’t worry if their appointments end up on the same day.
“Coadministration may be more convenient – only one trip to the GP surgery, clinic, or pharmacy as opposed to two.
“But apart from the convenience (and the cost to the NHS/providers), there is no medical or immunological reason to go out of your way to get the vaccines at the same time.”
