Corona and flu vaccination: do I have to keep a time interval for immunization?

The flu season is approaching.

Many consider getting vaccinated.

But what if I have already received the corona vaccination?

You have to be aware of that.

Berlin - The fourth corona wave is in full swing, virologist Christian Drosten (49) assesses the situation as a "real emergency situation".

Because the number of cases has reached a record high, they are higher than ever.

At the same time, winter is approaching and with it the flu season again.

Risk groups such as the chronically ill, the elderly and pregnant women are also recommended by the Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) to get vaccinated against the flu.

But what if you recently received a corona vaccination?

Is it better to wait or is it even possible at the same time?

Corona and flu vaccination: do I have to keep a time interval for immunization?

This question unsettles many people.

After all, they do not want to risk the vaccination protection being weakened or fear possible side effects *.

But the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) can give the all-clear here: In fact, the influenza vaccination may be administered at the same time as the corona vaccination.

In concrete terms, this means that there is no need for a time interval between vaccinations.

+

One spade a year: The flu vaccination should be refreshed every autumn (symbol picture)

© Zacharie Scheurer / dpa

But only if the flu vaccination is a dead vaccine.

If you are not sure, you can ask your family doctor.

But according to the RKI, the flu vaccines * available in this country are mostly dead vaccines.

This means that the vaccination contains killed pathogens that get into the body * but are supposed to have the same effect as other vaccines.

However, a live vaccine in the form of a nasal spray is also approved for children.

The Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI) provides detailed information on approved influenza vaccines.

You can find even more exciting health topics in our free newsletter, which you can subscribe to right here. *

Corona and flu vaccinations: According to Stiko, this must be taken into account

In addition, according to Stiko chairman Thomas Mertens (71), care should be taken that the two vaccines are not injected into the same arm *, but left and right.

With the result that in some patients both sides may hurt, which is why driving a car or doing heavy physical work may not be possible for the time being.

And although both vaccinations are generally considered to be very well tolerated *, vaccination reactions can occur more frequently if they are used at the same time than if they are administered separately.

These include the following:

• Injection site pain

• Redness and swelling of the arm

• Cold symptoms such as fever, tiredness, headache, pain in the limbs or muscles

• Sweating or shivering

But, according to the Stiko, that should by no means cause high-risk patients to skip the flu vaccination this year.

Instead, she points out that immunization can massively reduce the risk of a severe flu course in the event of an infection *.

The same applies to the vaccines against Covid-19.

*

This article contains only general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication.

In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor.

Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.

.

List of rubric lists: © Zacharie Scheurer / dpa