This year’s flu season is going to be different due to the coronavirus vaccine rollout in Australia. Right at Home, providers of homecare and support to many Australian Seniors and Australians living with a disability provide information to guide you. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has released its latest guidelines on flu and COVID vaccinations to help Australians navigate the next few months. Right at Home summarises that guidance for you.

ATAGI Key Messages

• Routine scheduling and co-administration of an influenza vaccine with a COVID-19 vaccine on the same day is not recommended.

• The preferred minimum interval between a dose of seasonal influenza vaccine and a dose of Comirnaty (Pfizer) or COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is 14 days.

• There may be circumstances where co-administration or near administration (within days) of an influenza vaccine with a COVID-19 vaccine may be considered.

• There is no requirement regarding the order of receiving a dose of influenza vaccine and either the first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

• If an influenza vaccine has been inadvertently co-administered or given within a shorter interval than 14 days with a COVID-19 vaccine, revaccination with either vaccine is not considered necessary.

ATAGI have noted that based on current understanding of the influenza vaccines that will be used in Australia in 2021 and the two COVID-19 vaccines to be used (Comirnaty or COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca), at the time of publishing this article, there are no theoretical concerns regarding safety or clinically significant reduction in protective efficacy by co-administration. However, administering the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines sequentially separated by a reasonable time window may reduce the likelihood of overlapping periods of systemic adverse events following immunisation, and will assist in attributing any adverse event following immunisation to a particular vaccine.

Again, ATAGI have advised that the preferred minimum interval between a dose of seasonal influenza vaccine and a dose of Comirnaty or COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is 14 days.

In good health.

Keep up to date with COVID 19 information on the following links:

Australian Government Department of Health

Victorian Health and Human Services

NSW Health

Queensland Health

ACT Health

WA Department of Health

Tasmanian Department of Health

Northern Territory Department of Health

SA Health

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care, and assistance to seniors (elderly and aged care), and any adult who needs our care at home including adults living with a disability who want to continue to live independently or age in their home. Right at Home is your local expert for issues related to caring for your loved ones and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. With no admin or subscription fees Right at Home allows you to get more care from your package or budget.

Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and offers flexible in-home care services such as nursing care, after hospital care, post-operative care, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer's care. Right at Home also offers assistance with daily living and personal care such as grooming, hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services and social support, so your loved one can enjoy a more independent, vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained, and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one.

To find out more, please give us a call on 1300 363 802 or visit our website.

Right at Home Offices in Australia: Sydney Lower North Shore; Sydney Upper North Shore; Sydney Central and Eastern Suburbs; Sydney Northern Beaches; Sydney North West; Sydney The Hills; Padstow St George; Macarthur Penrith; Newcastle; Hunter & Port Stephens; Southern NSW; Toowoomba- Darling Downs; Sunshine Coast and Gympie; Mackay; Central Queensland; Townsville; Far North Queensland; Gold Coast South; Gold Coast North; Northern Rivers; Brisbane Bayside; Brisbane South; Brisbane North; Brisbane West; Perth Midland; Perth Northern Suburbs; Perth West Coast: Kalgoorlie Wheatbelt; Moreton Bay Region; Sydney Inner West; Sydney Ryde