Coadministration of seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccines: A systematic review of clinical studies.

The lifting of non-pharmaceutical measures preventing transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (and other viruses, including influenza viruses) raises concerns about healthcare resources and fears of an increased number of cases of influenza and COVID-19. For the 2021-2022 influenza season, the WHO and >20 European countries promoted coadministration of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. Recently, the French Health Authority recommended coupling the COVID-19 vaccination with the 2022-2023 influenza vaccination campaign for healthcare professionals and people at risk of severe COVID-19. The present systematic review examines published data on the safety, immunogenicity, efficacy/effectiveness, and acceptability/acceptance of coadministration of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. No safety concerns or immune interferences were found whatever the vaccines or the age of vaccinated subjects (65- or 65+). No efficacy/effectiveness data were available. The results should reassure vaccinees and vaccinators in case of coadministration and increase vaccine coverage. Healthcare systems promoting coupled campaigns must provide the necessary means for successful coadministration.

The lifting of non-pharmaceutical measures recommended to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (and other viruses, including influenza viruses) raises concerns about healthcare resources, already under pressure. It also raises fears of an increase in the number of cases of influenza or COVID-19 infection during the winter season. For the 2021­2022 influenza season, the World Health Organization and several European countries promoted concomitant administration in distinct anatomic sites (i.e., coadministration) of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines to avoid additional stress on healthcare systems. In May 2022, the French Health Authority recommended coupling the COVID-19 vaccination with the 2022­2023 influenza vaccination campaign (i.e., starting COVID-19 vaccination at the date of influenza vaccination) for healthcare professionals and people at risk of severe COVID-19, in case of epidemic wave. Coadministration of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines is one of the factors of success for a coupled campaign. The present systematic review examines all published data (articles or reports, clinical trials, or surveys) on the safety, immunogenicity, efficacy/effectiveness, and acceptability/acceptance of coadministration of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. The PRISMA method was used to collect information. No safety concerns or immune interferences were found whatever the vaccines or the age of vaccinated subjects (65- or 65+). No efficacy/effectiveness data were available. Acceptability and acceptance were good but could be improved. By reassuring vaccinees and vaccinators, these results are expected to favor coadministration and ultimately increase vaccine coverage, thus offering better protection. Healthcare systems promoting coupled campaigns with coadministration must provide the necessary means for their successful implementation.

A comparison of coronavirus disease 2019 and seasonal influenza surveillance in five European countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND: In response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak that unfolded across Europe in 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) called for repurposing existing influenza surveillance systems to monitor COVID-19. This analysis aimed to compare descriptively the extent to which influenza surveillance systems were adapted and enhanced and how COVID-19 surveillance could ultimately benefit or disrupt routine influenza surveillance. METHODS: We used a previously developed framework in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom to describe COVID-19 surveillance and its impact on influenza surveillance. The framework divides surveillance systems into seven subsystems and 20 comparable outcomes of interest and uses five evaluation criteria based on WHO guidance. Information on influenza and COVID-19 surveillance systems were collected from publicly available resources shared by European and national public health agencies. RESULTS: Overall, non-medically attended, virological, primary care and mortality surveillance were adapted in most countries to monitor COVID-19, although community, outbreak and hospital surveillance were reinforced in all countries. Data granularity improved, with more detailed demographic and medical information recorded. A shift to systematic notification for cases and deaths enhanced both geographic and population representativeness, although the sampling strategy benefited from the roll out of widespread molecular testing. Data communication was greatly enhanced, contributing to improved public awareness. CONCLUSIONS: Well-established influenza surveillance systems are a key component of pandemic preparedness, and their upgrade allowed European countries to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, uncertainties remain on how both influenza and COVID-19 surveillance can be jointly and durably implemented.

[Covigie, a platform for caregivers and care team coordinators]. / Covigie, une plateforme pour les soignants et les coordonnateurs d'équipes de soins.

Covigie is a free online platform set up in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. It has enabled all caregivers and coordinators of primary care teams to report in real time the initiatives, observations, questions and problems encountered in the fight against the new coronavirus. The Covigie team summarised the information from the various contributions received, individual or collective, sent them to the health authorities and shared them with the caregivers.