Growing Concerns Over Twindemic... Effective in Preventing Severe Cases
Safe to Receive Both Vaccines in the Same Arm on the Same Day
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lee Gyehwa] Concerns about a twin-demic are growing as the number of new COVID-19 cases and suspected influenza patients increase simultaneously. According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters on the 9th, as of midnight on the 9th, the number of new COVID-19 cases rose by 199 from the previous day (62,273) to 62,472. The total cumulative confirmed cases reached 25,981,655. The number of new COVID-19 cases has exceeded 60,000 for two consecutive days. This is the highest figure in eight weeks for a Wednesday.
Influenza patients are also rapidly increasing. According to the Disease Control Agency's "Infectious Disease Sentinel Surveillance Weekly Newsletter," the number of patients showing suspected influenza symptoms was 9.3 per 1,000 people, an increase of 22.4% (1.7 people) compared to the previous week. Unlike the past two years, health authorities are concerned that influenza will spread as widely as COVID-19 this year.
Meanwhile, from the 7th, additional winter vaccinations using Moderna and Pfizer's BA.1-based bivalent vaccines (updated vaccines) have started for the 18 to 59 age group. In September, the Disease Control Agency issued an influenza epidemic advisory for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak and recommended vaccination. Accordingly, there is growing interest in whether it is possible to receive COVID-19 and influenza vaccines simultaneously.
Vaccination against COVID-19 and influenza is effective in preventing severe illness. In particular, COVID-19 and influenza vaccines can be administered simultaneously, even in the same arm. If there are concerns about side effects, they can be administered separately in each arm. Health authorities stated regarding simultaneous vaccination of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, "According to international recommendations including those from the World Health Organization (WHO) and monitoring results of adverse reactions both overseas and domestically, there is no risk associated with simultaneous vaccination," and added, "It is also possible to vaccinate each arm on the same day."
The eligible ages for vaccination differ. COVID-19 vaccines can be administered to children aged 5 and older. Considering the safety of children, the effective ingredient dose is administered at about one-third of the adult vaccine dose. Currently, winter vaccinations are being conducted for high-risk groups such as the elderly and immunocompromised, as well as adults aged 18 and older.
Influenza vaccines can be administered from six months of age. Children receiving the vaccine for the first time receive a second dose four weeks after completing the first dose. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts the influenza viruses expected to circulate each year. Vaccines are developed based on these predictions, so it is important to get vaccinated annually. Unlike the common cold, influenza can be highly prevented through vaccination. The influenza vaccine has a preventive effectiveness of up to about 90%. It takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop after vaccination.
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