Covid-19 and influenza (commonly called the corona virus and flu respectively) are both diseases caused by contagious viruses that infect the respiratory system. 

The flu and Covid-19 are both a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Besides health, Covid-19 has cost the Australian economy billions through business lockdowns. Similarly, it has been estimated that annually the flu costs Australian businesses $2 billion dollars due to absenteeism and loss of productivity. However, these viruses can both be prevented through vaccination.

To prevent the negative impacts of Covid-19 and flu on employee productivity and health, it is important for businesses to encourage their employees to get vaccinated and to provide them with information. In Australia, people are able to access effective annual flu vaccines and now for those eligible Covid-19 vaccines.

Below we describe the difference in symptoms between these viruses; available vaccines and their benefits; and who should receive them. Equipped with these details, you will be better informed to help safeguard your employees’ health and wellbeing – as well as your business’ productivity. 

 

The flu and the flu vaccine

The flu is caused by a number of different subtypes of the influenza virus. It is spread among people and is commonly responsible for a number of symptoms that include:

  • Fever  
  • Cough  
  • Blocked/runny nose  
  • Headache  
  • Sore throat  
  • Muscle and joint aches /pains
  • Tiredness

However, in some cases the flu can result in very serious complications of the lungs, heart and brain that can lead to hospitalisation and even death. 

The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and those around you from the flu. In Australia, all approved flu vaccines protect against 4 strains of the flu virus – two A strains and two B strains. None of the vaccines available in Australia have live virus, so they can’t cause people to get the flu!

Covid-19 and the Covid-19 vaccine

Coronavirus disease, or Covid-19, is a new highly contagious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Most people with Covid-19 will either show no symptoms or have a mild disease which commonly features symptoms including:

  • Fever  
  • Cough   
  • Headache  
  • Sore throat
  • Shortness of breath  
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Diarrhoea 
  • Muscle and joint ache/pain

 

However, about 20% of people with Covid-19  develop severe disease leading to hospitalisation and sometimes death. These people tend to be older and/or have certain comorbidities that increase their risk.  

Thankfully, in Australia two approved vaccines are free and now available through the COVID-19 vaccination program. These vaccines are effective against a variety of virus strains and protect people from severe disease and are also hoped to limit disease spread: 

  • Comirnaty, an mRNA produced by Pfizer 
  • COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca, an adenovirus vector vaccine, produced by AstraZeneca

 

Who should get a vaccine? 

Flu vaccine

The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for anyone aged 6 months or older and a free government funded flu vaccine is offered to people who are considered at the greatest risk of severe disease and complications, this includes:

  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander aged 6 months or older
  • Children aged between 6 months and 5 years
  • Older adult aged 65 years or older
  • People with certain comorbidities that increase their risks
  • Pregnant women – during any stage of pregnancy

Covid-19 vaccine

Anyone aged 16 years or older are recommended to receive a Covid-19 vaccine, which is free under the Covid-19 vaccination program. The mRNA vaccine is the preferred Covid-19 vaccine for anyone under 50 years of age. Due to the limited supply, the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination program has been phased, with those most at risk people being prioritised initially, including: 

  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander adults
  • Older adults 
  • Residents of aged care or disability facilities
  • People with certain comorbidities that increase their risks

You and your employees can go to the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker to see your eligibility and register to be notified when you are able to receive the vaccine.

Can you receive both the Covid-19 and flu vaccine?

It is not recommended that people receive both a dose of flu vaccine and Covid-19 vaccine on the same day. Once you have received a dose of Covid-19 vaccine you should wait 14 days before you receive a flu vaccine, or any other vaccines. Similarly, if you have had a flu vaccine or another vaccine first, you should wait 14 days before getting your Covid-19 vaccine.  

 

What are the benefits of Covid-19 and flu vaccines?

Protection against severe disease

Both the Covid-19 vaccines show effectiveness against Covid-19 hospitalisation and severe symptoms. Likewise, the flu vaccine continues to be the most effective way of preventing people from getting sick with the flu.

Stopping the spread of virus 

There is evidence that both Covid-19 vaccines have the potential to reduce transmission of the virus causing Covid-19. The flu vaccine can also help protect others who are more at risk of serious disease like newborn babies.

 

Know your options

Now that you’re informed on the benefits of vaccination and why it’s so important, take the time to share this information with your employees and remind them to schedule an appointment with their GP to discuss their options.