"US Considering Plan to Administer COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines Simultaneously"

FDA·CDC Implementation Details Expected to Be Decided Next Month

Mark Milley, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, is receiving a COVID-19 vaccine injection. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] The United States is reportedly considering administering COVID-19 and influenza (flu) vaccines simultaneously this fall.

According to the New York Times (NYT) on the 18th (local time), U.S. health authorities and scientists are discussing a plan for Americans to receive both vaccines at once during the fall at places such as pharmacies, hospitals, and home visit clinics in preparation for the simultaneous spread of COVID-19 and flu in winter.

Specific details such as the target recipients and vaccine dosages are expected to be decided at the FDA’s scientific advisory committee meeting and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) next month.

Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), explained, "Administering the COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine together every year is the simplest way to persuade Americans to get vaccinated." He added, "This method saves people’s time and increases the number of people receiving both vaccines, which would be a good thing."

However, there are also negative opinions regarding simultaneous administration of the COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

Dr. Ofer Levy, head of the Precision Vaccines Program at Boston Children’s Hospital and an FDA advisor, pointed out, "By the time the vaccines are manufactured, the virus may have mutated, reducing the preventive effect."

Dr. Matthew Daly, a CDC advisory committee member and researcher at Kaiser Permanente Colorado Health Research Institute, also expressed concern, saying, "Considering additional vaccinations for minimal benefit could create the perception that our vaccine program is ineffective." He added, "A nationwide vaccination campaign could unnecessarily exhaust pharmacists and public health workers."

Meanwhile, the NYT reported that due to a power struggle in the U.S. Congress over COVID-19 funding, it is uncertain whether health authorities will secure the vaccination budget on time for this fall.

Sarah Robenheim, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, stated, "Without urgent additional support, we will not be able to secure vaccines for Americans who want additional vaccinations this fall, nor obtain new vaccines to prepare for new variants."