Vaccination is a key strategy in the prevention of COVID-19 and influenza, improving quality of life.

Administering vaccines against COVID-19 and influenza at the same time is safe and increases uptake of each vaccine and increases protection against both diseases, according to new guidance “Optimising vaccination through coadministration of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines: Guidance for pharmacists” published by FIP today. The guidance includes focus on opportunities for coadministration of the two vaccines and how pharmacists can contribute to global health by supporting this. It explains that while there is a need for more data on safety and effectiveness of different combinations of vaccines, the currently available evidence supports coadministration, as highlighted by guidelines issued by the World Health Organization.

Gonçalo Sousa Pinto, FIP lead for practice development and transformation, and co-author of the guidance, said: “Many countries still do not have pharmacy-based vaccine administration services. FIP encourages pharmacists around the world to advocate pharmacy vaccines administration programmes and to seek legislative approaches to facilitate their implementation. Where such regulations are already in place, advocating pharmacy-based coadministration of flu and COVID-19 vaccines will contribute to improving vaccination coverage against both diseases”.

The guidance is available here.