Coadministering COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines in Pregnancy: What the Latest Safety Data Show

A recent study published in the journal Vaccine evaluated the safety and tolerability of COVID-19 and influenza vaccine coadministration during pregnancy. Researchers surveyed participants in the Canadian COVID-19 Vaccine Registry, including 344 pregnant individuals who received a COVID-19 vaccine, of whom 85 also received an influenza vaccine during the same visit.

The most reported adverse reactions were injection-site pain, redness or swelling, fatigue, and muscle aches. Local reactions were more frequent with coadministration, reported by 67.1% of those who received both vaccines compared with 42.1% of those who received the COVID-19 vaccine alone. Chills followed the same pattern, at 18.8% versus 8.5%. No participants reported needing medical attention.

The study concluded that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, with or without influenza vaccine coadministration, was safe and well tolerated.  

These findings support recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which endorse both vaccines during pregnancy. Because COVID-19 and influenza infections increase the risk of severe maternal illness and adverse pregnancy outcomes, coadministration may improve vaccine uptake while reducing healthcare visits. Maternal vaccination also provides infants with passive antibody protection during their first months of life.

For pharmacists counseling pregnant patients, these data support reassurance that same-visit administration is a reasonable option. Patients can be advised to expect a somewhat higher chance of soreness at the injection site, and that this is temporary and does not signal a safety problem.

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REFERENCES:

1. Tran, S., McClymont, E., Blitz, S., et al. (2026). Self-reported reactogenicity after COVID-19 vaccination with and without influenza vaccine coadministration during pregnancy in Canada. Vaccine, 92, 129122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.129122  

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