When they were first authorized, coadministration of COVID vaccines with other vaccines was discouraged.
Why?
Coadministration of COVID Vaccines with Other Vaccines
It was initially done out of an abundance of caution.
And most folks likely appreciated it, not wanting to worry about additional problems while wondering if they were going to have side effects from their COVID shot.
But we now know that our COVID vaccines are safe, with few risks, and “extensive experience with non-COVID-19 vaccines has demonstrated that immunogenicity and adverse event profiles are generally similar when vaccines are administered simultaneously as when they are administered alone.”
And that’s why you can now give COVID vaccines with other vaccines.
Of course, you don’t have to…
You could still get the vaccines separately if you are concerned about side effects.
“It is unknown whether reactogenicity of COVID-19 vaccine is increased with coadministration, including with other vaccines known to be more reactogenic, such as adjuvanted vaccines or live vaccines.”
Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Authorized in the United States
Which adjuvanted vaccines are they talking about which might be more reactogenic?
“When deciding whether to coadminister another vaccine(s) with COVID-19 vaccines, providers should consider whether the patient is behind or at risk of becoming behind on recommended vaccines, their risk of vaccine-preventable disease (e.g., during an outbreak or occupational exposures), and the reactogenicity profile of the vaccines.”
Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Authorized in the United States
Only adjuvanted Fluad for seniors, Shingrix, and Heplisav-B, a new hepatitis B vaccine for adults.
In most other cases, extra side effects probably aren’t going to be a big concern.
And being able to get other vaccines with the COVID vaccine will make it easier to get kids and adults caught up if they might have missed one or more vaccinations this past year.
“The AAP supports giving other childhood and adolescent immunizations at the same time as COVID-19 vaccines, particularly for children and teens who are behind on their immunizations. Between the substantial data collected on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, and the extensive experience with non-COVID-19 vaccines which shows the immune response and side effects are generally similar when vaccines are given together as when they are administered alone, the benefits of co-administration and timely catch up on vaccinations outweigh any theoretical risk. AAP recommends that children and adolescents catch up on all vaccinations that may have been delayed during the pandemic.”
American Academy of Pediatrics Calls for Children and Teens Age 12 and Up to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine
That will help keep everyone from getting further behind, especially those teens needing vaccines to go to middle school or college.
More on Coadministration of COVID Vaccines with Other Vaccines
- COVID Vaccines for Teens
- Vaccine Schedule for Teens
- Catch-Up Immunization Plans for Adults
- Are Vaccines Tested Together?
- American Academy of Pediatrics Calls for Children and Teens Age 12 and Up to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine
- CDC – Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Authorized in the United States
- CDC – COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs for Healthcare Professionals