FDA-funded study suggests higher stroke risk for elderly who received both COVID and flu shots in the same visit.
Elderly People at Increased Risk of Stroke from COVID Booster and Flu Shot Combination
A new study suggests that elderly individuals may face a higher risk of stroke caused by blood clots in the brain if they receive both the COVID booster and a flu shot during the same visit. The study, funded by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), found that older adults who received both shots together last year had a 20-35% increased stroke risk.
The study, which examined the Medicare claims of over 5.3 million adults aged 65 and older who received a bivalent Pfizer or Moderna COVID vaccine, revealed approximately three strokes for every 100,000 doses given. Interestingly, the study indicated that the increased stroke risk may be primarily driven by the flu shots rather than the COVID vaccines, although concerns have been raised.
Specifically, individuals aged 65 or older who received a bivalent vaccine and a high-dose flu shot simultaneously faced an elevated risk of blood clots in their brains. It is important to note that the high-dose flu shot is only approved for individuals aged 65 and older. Additionally, the study found that those aged 85 and older who received the Pfizer vaccine also had a higher risk of stroke caused by blood clots, even without receiving the flu shot at the same time.
Furthermore, the study discovered a slight increase in stroke risk for those aged 65 and older who solely received a high-dose flu shot, with approximately one to two strokes per 100,000 doses.
Cautionary Notes and Vaccine Safety
It is crucial to acknowledge that the study is not yet peer-reviewed and is observational, meaning it can only establish associations rather than prove cause and effect. Some experts cautioned that the results are preliminary and could potentially be explained by the fact that elderly individuals are already at a higher risk of stroke due to their age.
The study was prompted by a January public communication from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and FDA, which stated that one of their vaccine safety monitoring studies had indicated a small risk of stroke for older adults who received a Pfizer COVID shot and a high-dose flu shot on the same day.
The FDA assured ABC that the review conducted in this preprint paper is part of their ongoing safety surveillance efforts, which utilize various data sources. The agency remains confident in the COVID vaccine’s safety.
Promotion of Combined Vaccination
Pfizer recently released a commercial promoting the idea of receiving the COVID vaccine and the flu shot simultaneously, or “two things at once.” The ad features Travis Kelce, a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, who proudly displays two Band-Aids on his arm for the two shots.
In the ad, a woman asks Kelce if he knows that he can get this season’s COVID-19 shot when he gets his flu shot. Kelce responds with enthusiasm, exclaiming, “Huh, two things at once.” The commercial then showcases Kelce engaging in various activities simultaneously, such as grilling while mowing the lawn and riding a hot air balloon while speaking on the radio.
As of now, the Kansas City Chiefs have not provided a comment regarding the study’s findings.
How can healthcare providers effectively engage in informed discussions with elderly patients to ensure they are aware of the potential risks associated with receiving both the COVID booster and flu shot together?
He same time.
The exact reasons for this increased risk are still unknown, and further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms. However, some experts speculate that the combination of vaccines may lead to a heightened immune response in older individuals, increasing the likelihood of blood clot formation. Another possibility is that certain genetic or health factors may make older adults more susceptible to these adverse events when receiving multiple vaccines simultaneously.
These findings raise important considerations for healthcare providers and policymakers as they continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and influenza season. On one hand, both the COVID booster and flu shot are crucial for protecting elderly individuals against respiratory illnesses and severe complications. On the other hand, it is essential to carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits associated with administering these vaccines together.
Healthcare providers should engage in informed discussions with their elderly patients to ensure they are aware of these risks and can make educated decisions about their vaccination schedule. In some cases, it may be beneficial to prioritize one vaccine over the other or separate the administration of the vaccines by several weeks to minimize the potential for adverse events.
Furthermore, it is imperative for researchers to conduct further studies to confirm these findings and investigate potential strategies to mitigate the risk of stroke in elderly individuals receiving multiple vaccines. Additionally, ongoing monitoring and surveillance systems should be established to promptly identify and address any adverse events associated with vaccination in this vulnerable population.
In conclusion, this study highlights the potential increased risk of stroke in elderly individuals who receive both the COVID booster and flu shot during the same visit. While more research is needed, healthcare providers should be cautious when administering these vaccines simultaneously and engage in shared decision-making with their older patients. By carefully considering the risks and benefits, we can strive to ensure the safety and well-being of our elderly population during these challenging times.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
