Concurrent Administration of COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccines Enhances Spike-Specific Antibody Responses

Background: The bivalent COVID-19 mRNA boosters became available in fall 2022 and were recommended alongside the seasonal influenza vaccine. However, the immunogenicity of concurrent vs separate administration of these vaccines remains unclear.

Methods: Here, we analyzed antibody responses in health care workers who received the bivalent COVID-19 booster and the influenza vaccine on the same day or on different days through systems serology. Antibody-binding and functional responses were characterized at peak responses and after 6 months following vaccination.

Results: IgG1 and neutralization responses to SARS-CoV-2 XBB.1.5 were higher at peak and after 6 months following concurrent administration as compared with separate administration of the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. While similar results were not observed for influenza responses, no interference was noted with concurrent administration.

Conclusions: These data suggest that concurrent administration of these vaccines may yield higher and more durable SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody responses while maintaining responses against influenza.