Combining COVID-19 and Flu Vaccinations Can Save Lives and Reduce Hospitalizations

Recent research highlights that administering COVID-19 booster shots concurrently with annual influenza vaccinations could be an effective strategy to lower the rates of severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths associated with both viruses. According to a study published in the Medical Journal of Australia by Burnet Institute researchers, this approach could lead to a 4-14% reduction in COVID-19-related hospital admissions.

The study utilized mathematical modeling to compare various vaccination scenarios, emphasizing that although COVID-19 is not seasonal like the flu, synchronizing booster doses with flu shots increases vaccination uptake and coverage. This strategy could bridge the gap in COVID-19 booster vaccination rates, which, despite the significant health impact—62,000 hospitalizations and 3,696 deaths in Australia in 2023—remains low, with only 11% of those over 16 receiving a booster.

The health consequences of COVID-19 extend beyond respiratory issues, affecting multiple body systems and increasing risks for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and long COVID—a condition with symptoms like severe fatigue, brain fog, and chronic pain. The study underscores that offering both vaccines together could enhance immunization coverage, leading to significant public health benefits.

Experts like Associate Professor Nick Scott from Burnet Institute noted that this integrated approach could match influenza vaccination coverage for COVID-19, greatly reducing hospital admissions and mortality. Additionally, the vaccines' high efficacy—85% against severe COVID-19 illness compared to 44% for influenza—supports the safety and benefits of receiving booster shots regularly.

In line with government recommendations, healthy adults aged 18-64 are advised to receive annual COVID-19 boosters, with those over 75 recommended to get boosters every six months to maintain optimal protection. Vaccinating simultaneously simplifies the process and boosts the overall protection of the community.

For more insights, see the original study: Evaluating the impact of COVID-19 vaccination strategies on infections and hospitalisations in Victoria. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-covid-flu-vaccinations-hospitalizations-deaths.html