ASCIA Allergy, Immunodeficiency, Autoimmunity and COVID-19 Vaccination Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) has been updated to include approval of a new vaccine (Novavax) in Australia and updated advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) regarding co-administration of influenza vaccines:

• Novavax/Biocelect Nuvaxovid spike protein based COVID-19 vaccine was approved in Australia in January 2022, for adults 18 years and over. It is expected to be available from late February 2022.

• ATAGI now recommends that influenza vaccines can be co-administered with COVID-19 vaccines. Subject to availability of influenza vaccines, an ideal time to vaccinate could be on the same day as a COVID-19 booster vaccine. This updated advice was issued by ATAGI in December 2021, to coincide with borders reopening and greater population movement and an expected resurgence of influenza activity in 2022, outside of the usual influenza season. 

  Previously the preferred minimum interval between a dose of seasonal flu vaccine and a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine was seven days. This was to avoid confusion about the cause of side effects or allergic reactions, if they occur in response to the COVID-19 vaccine or the influenza vaccine. 

Futher information:

https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/ascia-covid-19-vaccination-faq

https://www.health.gov.au/news/atagi-statement-on-the-use-of-novavax-covid-19-vaccine-nuvaxovid

https://www.health.gov.au/news/updated-atagi-advice-on-the-administration-of-seasonal-influenza-vaccines-in-2021-december-2021 

This news item was issued on 9 February 2022 by the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), the peak professional body for clinical immunology and allergy in Australia and New Zealand.