What should the ideal gap between Covid-19 and flu vaccines be?

Some commonly-asked questions about vaccinations for common flu and Covid

Below are answers to some vaccine-related questions answered by Dr Dhiraj Bhattad, Consultant at the Internal Medicine department at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre.

Should I be taking a vaccine for the common flu?

Yes. Normally, in India, we see the flu season between November till the end of February. At present, we are still seeing flu cases in the OPD, along with an increasing number of Covid cases. In such a scenario, I would definitely suggest everybody above the age of six months take a flu shot or influenza viral vaccine. Also, because the virus changes itself or mutates, we need to take these vaccines every year because it does not provide lifelong immunity from developing the flu.

Should I take a COVID booster?

Yes. The COVID-19 vaccine has been given to most people in India. Some people might also have received a booster dose. If you have not received your booster yet, please take it at the earliest. If you’re above 60 years of age, or are younger with comorbidities like diabetes, heart lung, or kidney issues, then you should also go for a second booster dose.

Can I take COVID-19 vaccine and Influenza vaccine together?

Yes. Though initially a 2-week gap was advised between COVID 19 and influenza vaccination, current evidence suggest that both vaccines can be taken safely at the same visit.

Precautions for children this flu season

Dr Viswesvaran Balasubramanian, Consultant Interventional Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad shared few tips to prevent kids from getting common cold infections. They are:

Get your child vaccinated: The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent flu. It is recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months. Make sure your child gets a flu shot every year.

Wash hands frequently: Encourage your child to wash their hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Teach them to avoid touching their face, nose or mouth with their hands.

Get vaccinated, practice proper hygiene, maintain distance from an infected person to avoid chances of getting flu. (Pic source: Pixabay)

Cover their mouth and nose: Teach your child to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze with a tissue or the inside of their elbow.

Avoid contact with sick people: Keep your child away from people who are sick with flu. If someone in your household has flu, try to isolate them as much as possible and have them wear a mask.

Practice good hygiene: Make sure your child maintains good hygiene practices such as taking regular baths or showers, brushing their teeth, and changing clothes regularly.

Keep your child home if they are sick: If your child is sick with flu, keep them home from school or daycare until they are feeling better.

Clean frequently touched surfaces: Clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and toys with a disinfectant.

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