A SENIOR medic yesterday dispelled claims that a coronavirus (Covid-19) booster dose could cause complications if taken along with a flu shot.
With the annual seasonal flu posing a threat in the next few months, healthcare facilities are gearing up to administer flu vaccines to children and adults.
However, concerns have been raised on social media over twin vaccine safety, with people claiming that Covid-19 booster shots could intervene and complicate flu infections.
National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (Covid-19) senior member Dr Jameela Al Salman categorically denied the claim yesterday as she addressed a Press conference held remotely from the Crown Prince Centre for Training and Medical Research, Riffa.
The Salmaniya Medical Complex Infectious and Internal Diseases consultant also dismissed reports that Covid-19 infection could lower the immunity of a person.
“There are no complications or contradictions when two vaccines are taken together, and there is no need for a waiting period between the shots,” she said.
“A new virus that causes a pandemic will mutate as we adapt to processes and precautionary measures to tackle it.
“At the same time, seasonal viruses like that which causes the flu will still lurk around.”
Dr Salman allayed fears over a ‘severe’ flu infection this season, asserting that vaccines are effective in tackling it.
She added that epidemiological studies in line with Covid-19 show that complications may be more and cases could end up in intensive care units.
“We know how we fight it, it is what we have learnt – as to how to protect the immunity and health by managing our food, exercise and hygiene.
“During flu season, it is important to take the flu vaccine as well as the booster shot of Covid-19,” she said, urging all to seek accurate information from official channels.
Health Ministry Under-Secretary Dr Waleed Al Manea also backed the medic adding that flu and Covid-19 vaccinations were different.
“There has been an increase in the number of flu cases this season,” he said.
“No vaccine will weaken body immunity, studies have confirmed this globally.”
He also called on people to continue wearing facemasks and maintain social distancing, especially indoors.
Asked if the country would do away with Covid-19 restrictions following the drop in cases, Dr Manea said the task force would take a decision at an appropriate time.
“While there is no specific date that we could tell on the country fully reopening, we must note that we are almost leading a normal life,” he said.
“Stable numbers are good indicators and the task force can take decisions based on it.
“The conditions are determined based on the traffic light system to curb infection,” he said, calling for utmost commitment from the public to win the war over the pandemic.
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