Expert’s advice: When to get anti-flu, pneumonia shots after COVID-19 vaccine

MANILA, Philippines — People vaccinated against COVID-19 could avail of flu and pneumonia shots “anytime or a week after” their first dose or second dose regardless of the coronavirus jab brand.

This was disclosed Tuesday by Dr. Rontgene Solante, an infectious disease expert and a member of the Department of Science and Technology’s Vaccine Expert Panel.

According to Solante, those vaccinated with the first dose of Sinovac, Moderna, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Janssen or Johnson & Jonhson, and Sputnik V vaccine can get the flu or a pneumococcal vaccine “anytime or a week after receiving the first dose while waiting for the second dose as recommended by your doctor.”

The COVID-19 vaccine developed by Janssen or Johnson & Jonhson is a single-shot vaccine.

“Or you may opt to wait after completing your second dose as recommended by your doctor,” he also said in an online media forum organized by the Philippine College of Physicians and the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.

As for those already vaccinated with the second dose of Sinovac, Moderna, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Sputnik V, Solante said they may receive the flu or pneumococcal shots “anytime or a week after” their injection “as recommended by a physician.”

And for those who have yet to secure a schedule for COVID-19 vaccination from the local government unit, Solante said they may opt to avail of the flu or pneumococcal vaccines from their local health office, if offered, or from hospitals.

The DOH earlier recommended using flu and pneumonia vaccines to prevent additional complications from COVID-19.

Dr. Donald Ray Josue, vaccines medical director of GSK Philippines, said last Wednesday that getting flu shots may potentially have benefits against COVID-19. He said that COVID-19 patients who were vaccinated against flu had less severe symptoms and were less likely to consult emergency departments in health facilities.

KGA