During 2021, both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are available. A minimum 14-day interval is required between the administration of a COVID-19 and influenza vaccine. To ensure the best possible protection against COVID-19 and influenza, providers should consider:
- People eligible for COVID-19 vaccination now should get their COVID-19 vaccine first and then influenza vaccine
- People not eligible for COVID-19 vaccination yet should get their influenza vaccine now and get COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to them.
Further information is available in the ATAGI advice on influenza and COVID-19 vaccines and on the COVID-19 vaccines clinical considerations web pages hosted by the Australian Government Department of Health.
The influenza chapter within the Australian Immunisation Handbook has also been updated for the 2021 influenza season. Providers should also refer to the latest ATAGI advice on seasonal influenza vaccines in 2021.