Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: In Germany, annual influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations are recommended by the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) for high-risk groups, including individuals aged ≥60, those with chronic illnesses, and healthcare personnel. Understanding how often both vaccinations are received — particularly on the same day — is critical for assessing real-world co-administration practice and informing future strategies, including the potential for combination vaccines.
METHODS: A non-interventional, retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using claims data from the WIG2 benchmark database. The main analysis covered the 2023-2024 respiratory season (Q3 2023 to Q2 2024). The study population comprised 2,471,664 continuously insured adults aged ≥18, with the primary subgroup of 889,918 individuals aged ≥60. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize vaccination uptake and co-administration patterns. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with co-administration, reported as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
RESULTS: Among vaccinated older adults, 287,765 (32.3%) received an influenza vaccine and 145,579 (16.4%) received a COVID-19 vaccine during the observation period. A total of 102,316 individuals (30.9% of those vaccinated with either vaccine) received both vaccines — i.e., achieved dual vaccination — not necessarily on the same day. Co-administration (both vaccines on the same day) was observed in 43,936 individuals, representing 42.9% of all dually vaccinated individuals. Of those who received a COVID-19 vaccine and those who received an influenza vaccine, 30.2% and 15.3%, respectively, received co-administration. Prior influenza (OR: 6.14; 95% CI: 5.99 - 6.28) and COVID-19 (OR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.80 - 1.89) vaccination history was the strongest predictor of co-administration.
CONCLUSIONS: Dual vaccination and co-administration uptake was high in older adults aged ≥60, with prior vaccination history being they key driver of uptake. These findings underscore the potential of combination COVID-19/influenza vaccines to improve vaccine coverage, reduce healthcare visits, and simplify immunization schedules for this priority group.