Combined flu and COVID vaccination strategy in Spain

Researchers argue that while separate campaigns target different vulnerable groups, co-administration remains the most efficient method for protecting healthcare systems during peak winter months.

The story, at a glance

Spanish medical experts have outlined the distinct target populations for annual flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, noting that the two viruses exhibit different seasonal patterns.
Despite these differences, the authors recommend administering both vaccines during a single appointment to maximize logistical efficiency and ensure high coverage among the elderly and immunocompromised.

As autumn temperatures decline in the northern hemisphere, vaccination campaigns are launching across the region. According to AllAfrica, which published an analysis by Spanish medical experts, the primary objective of these programmes is not to prevent infection entirely, but to reduce disease severity and hospitalisation rates. The authors note that because the viruses causing influenza and COVID-19 are constantly evolving, annual vaccine formulations are updated based on data from the World Health Organization’s global surveillance networks.

The analysis highlights that the target populations for the two vaccines differ significantly. In Spain, the COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for individuals aged 70 and over, care home residents, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions. A specific criterion requires that recipients have not received a previous dose or documented infection within the last three months. Conversely, the influenza vaccine lowers the age threshold to 60 and includes young children and essential service workers, aiming to reduce both individual severity and community transmission.

Despite these demographic differences, the authors argue that the two vaccines are typically administered during the same appointment. This approach is driven by logistical efficiency, as it simplifies healthcare delivery and reduces the need for multiple trips to health centres, which benefits older adults and those with disabilities. The authors state that co-administration has been demonstrated to be safe, with studies showing that injecting the vaccines in different arms does not reduce the immune response to either pathogen.

The seasonal behaviour of the two viruses also differs. Influenza follows a distinct winter pattern with epidemic waves between November and February, while COVID-19 exhibits an erratic pattern with year-round spikes driven by new variants and waning herd immunity. The experts conclude that maintaining high vaccination coverage among vulnerable groups is the most effective way to protect national health services from becoming overburdened during peak infection periods. They emphasise that removing barriers to access and providing transparent communication about side effects are essential for boosting public confidence in these combined campaigns.

Spanish health experts debate combined versus separate flu and COVID vaccination schedules

The story, at a glance

Sources and further reading