By Atlantic Health Partners

Although COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots are dominating our discourse, the number of influenza cases and hospitalizations is rapidly rising. As highly contagious variants create a surge in COVID-19 cases and flu activity spikes, health experts are concerned about the impact of coronavirus and influenza co-infections.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), peak flu infections occur during December and continue into February, but the increased activity can continue into May. It is highly recommended that patients receive their annual flu vaccine for preventing infection during what experts are expecting to be a potentially severe flu season.

Evaluating the threat of ‘flurona’
Even though a “twindemic” may have been avoided during the 2020-2201 flu season, health experts predict this will change with the new, highly transmissible COVID-19 variants. The term “flurona” refers to the co-infection of influenza and the coronavirus. The threat of a dual infection is its potential to overwhelm an individual’s immune system, resulting in severe illness.

In addition, health experts worry that the lack of population immunity against influenza from the previous flu season and eased COVID-19 restrictions could leave more people vulnerable to contracting the flu. The contagious respiratory illnesses could cause further strain on the health care system. Although new research suggests that the current flu vaccine appears to be a poor match for the dominant strain, seasonal flu vaccination is still the best way for individuals of all ages to reduce the risk of flu illnesses. It is important for providers to encourage patients to receive their annual flu shot.

Assessing the benefits of co-administration
The CDC guidance states COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots can be co-administered with the flu shot. Patients can schedule an appointment with their provider for either the flu or COVID-19 vaccine and receive both vaccines during one visit. In addition to increasing vaccination rates, another key benefit of co-administration is its convenience for both patients and providers. Co-administration of vaccines also alleviates burden on the health care system overall.

Co-administration of these vaccines also allows physicians to follow up with vaccine recommendations in real time. Providers may remind patients who are seeking COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots about their seasonal flu shot and, if time allows, administer the vaccine during the same visit.

Following two seasons of low flu activity, this year has the potential for increased respiratory illnesses across the country. It is crucial for all patients to receive their annual flu shots; physicians may want to consider leveraging the co-administration of COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots to ensure that patients are protected against influenza. During this flu season, providers have the chance to save patients planning to get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot an additional visit by co-administering the flu vaccine.

Atlantic Health Partners has helped many ISMA members strengthen their immunization performance by providing reimbursement guidance, advocacy and timely updates. To learn more, contact Cindy Berenson at 800-741-2044 or info@atlantichealthpartners.com.