(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.) The Oklahoma State Department of Health provided the following updates regarding COVID-19 vaccination this week: 

Flu Shot and COVID Vaccine Safe for Co-Administration

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) encourages all Oklahomans to get the flu shot as soon as they are able this flu season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states COVID-19 vaccines may be administered without regard to timing of other vaccines, meaning the flu shot and COVID vaccine can be safely co-administered the same day. 

Previously, a waiting time of two weeks was suggested between administration of the COVID vaccine and any other vaccinations. It is now known adverse side effects are unlikely from co-administration of the COVID vaccine and others. It is considered best practice to administer the vaccines in separate limbs if possible.

The flu and COVID have very similar symptoms along with the common cold and seasonal allergies; it is also possible to contract both the flu and COVID at the same time. For this reason, it is important to protect yourself and others in the best way possible – through vaccination. The CDC and OSDH both recommend getting vaccinated for both the flu and COVID as soon as possible. 

“Now is the time to get vaccinated,” says Dr. Fauzia Khan, director of OSDH Immunization Service. “With the holidays approaching, the flu and COVID both continue to be a threat to our families and communities. Stay safe this holiday season by protecting yourself and others through immunization.” 

For protections against seasonal allergies and other upper respiratory illnesses, continue to wear a mask when social distancing is not possible and wash hands and wipe down surfaces frequently. You may also consult your health care provider to determine the best medication for allergies. 

To learn more about finding flu and COVID shots in Oklahoma, visit vaccines.gov. Oklahomans can also call the 2-1-1 helpline or contact their county health departments for assistance. 

The Oklahoma State Department of Health protects and improves public health through its system of local health services and strategies focused on preventing disease. OSDH provides technical support and guidance to 68 county health departments in Oklahoma, as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/health.  

Moderna and Janssen (J&J) Boosters Approved

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP) met Thursday, Oct. 21 to discuss the latest findings on Moderna and Janssen (J&J) booster doses and the heterologous ("mix-and-match") of vaccine product for a booster dose. The ACIP voted on the Moderna and Janssen (J&J) boosters. A vote was not taken regarding heterologous booster doses but gave clinical considerations. 

ACIP Vote #1

Interim Recommendation: A single COVID-19 vaccine booster dose is recommended ≥ six months after completion of an mRNA primary series, the same risk groups for whom CDC recommended a booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech*, under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). 

Final vote: 15 yes, 0 no

*The risk groups for whom CDC recommended a booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech include: 65 years and older and 18+ who live in long-term care settings, who have underlying medical conditions, who work in high-risk settings and who live in high-risk settings. 

ACIP Vote #2

Interim Recommendation: A single COVID-19 vaccine booster dose is recommended for persons aged ≥ 18 years, and ≥ two months after receipt of the initial Janssen (J&J) dose, under the FDA’s EUA.

Final vote: 15 yes, 0 no

Clinical Considerations

• People who have completed a primary series (including those who received an additional dose due to immunocompromised status) of mRNA vaccine should utilize the same vaccine product.
• If the primary series’ vaccine product is not available or another product is preferred, heterologous boosting with a single dose of any of the authorized COVID-19 vaccine boosters is acceptable.
  • Individual benefit-risk assessment may inform which booster product to use.
• The primary series determines when an individual should receive a booster.
  • If a person got the Janssen (J&J) vaccine for their primary series, it is recommended the booster is given ≥ two months after completion of the primary series, whether the booster is Janssen (J&J), Moderna or Pfizer.
  • If a person received Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech for their primary series, it is recommended the booster is given ≥ six months after the completion of the primary series, whether the booster is Janssen (J&J), Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech.
• Once an individual has been fully vaccinated with a primary series, if receiving the Moderna booster vaccine, it will be 0.25 ml as opposed to the 0.5 ml dose given in the primary series of Moderna. 

For more information, the CDC statement is now available.