After the summer vacation, and with the flu vaccination campaign approaching, there are a lot of concerns not only about the flu, but also about the coronavirus or pneumococcus.
1. From what date can we get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines?
Most autonomous regions will start vaccinating high-risk groups around mid-October, in line with CISNS recommendations. The Public Health Commission on September 12 agreed to start the vaccination drive against Covid-19 from the last week of September to the next month of October. In practice, this means that it is several days ahead of initial forecasts, which suggested October would be the month to start delivering booster doses to targeted groups.
2. Can they be taken at the same time?
There is no problem, we can have three vaccines at the same time, two in one arm, at least 2.5 centimeters apart, and a third in the other arm. Generally speaking, all vaccines can be given at the same time, if separated, by simply splitting the two live virus vaccines, but this is not the case.
3. If we have just contracted COVID-19, how long will it take to get new doses?
Official advice is to wait at least five to six months after infection as it develops defenses and does not require vaccination.
4. What are the side effects of these vaccines?
In most cases, possible adverse reactions (which do not always occur) are mild and self-limiting, meaning they disappear within 24-48 hours, mainly: pain at the injection site, redness, General malaise, fever, etc. If you develop more severe symptoms, you should see a health service to assess whether they are caused by the vaccine and for follow-up. In many cases, symptoms develop that are not related to the vaccine but are consistent in time, but they should always be evaluated.
5. Can I get vaccinated if I am allergic to eggs?
There’s nothing wrong with it, only anti-flu medications contain egg protein (not all), but in such small amounts that it won’t cause problems, although people with allergies should monitor for possible symptoms.
6. What if I am pregnant?
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are especially suitable for pregnant women because they protect the woman, fetus, and newborn. Pneumococcal infection is not present in women of childbearing age, except in high-risk groups. This should be done postpartum if convenient.
7. If they are children, are they recommended to be vaccinated?
Since last year, it has been recommended that children between 6 and 59 months be vaccinated against influenza because, along with teenagers, they are the age group with the highest incidence and are the main spreaders of the virus. By vaccinating children, we not only protect them, but also the at-risk people who live with them. They received the pneumococcal vaccine as children according to the vaccination schedule. In the COVID-19 pandemic, this practice is recommended only for children in high-risk groups.