Most common side effects to expect from joint COVID and flu shot, according to experts

With restrictions lifted and the winter months approaching, experts have been warning the population to make sure they’re protected not only against the coronavirus, but also against the flu. They’re predicting that if the population fails to do so, a ‘twindemic’ could strike the country and overwhelm the NHS even more.

ComFluCOV study

The growing fear is that taking the two jabs at the same time may render them ineffective or spark unusual side effects. However, a study conducted by the University of Bristol has revealed that the two jabs are safe to be administered together in the same appointment. They’ve submitted their findings to the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for consideration. Dr. Rajeka Lazarus, Chief Investigator of the study said:

By conducting this study we have been able to establish that it is possible to protect people from both COVID-19 and flu at the same appointment.

This is a positive step which could mean fewer appointments for those who require both vaccines, reducing the burden on those who have underlying health conditions and would usually be offered the influenza vaccine.

Most common side effects

Apart from examining the effectiveness of the vaccines, scientists discussed all the side effects that developed with their participants. The effects ranged from mild to moderate, and the most common was pain at the site of injection. The team mentions on their official website:

Following vaccination, people very often have tenderness, pain, warmth, redness, itching, swelling or bruising or less commonly have a small lump in their arm where they have been vaccinated.

The second most commonwasfatigue, followed by headaches, flu-likes symptoms including fever and a sore throat, muscle ache, joint aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Other less frequently reported side effects include abdominal pain, decreased appetite, dizziness, swollen lymph nodes, and excessive sweating. They added:

These symptoms can be reduced by use of paracetamol around the time of immunisation and over the next 24 hours.