Topic: Twindemic

Health officials coined the term "twindemic" to describe the potential overlap of the COVID-19 pandemic and the seasonal flu. In response, Massachusetts mandated flu vaccines for all students from six months of age through college. In Australia, the Prime Minister suggested that "incentive sticks," such as travel and restaurant restrictions, might be used to encourage high rates of COVID-19 vaccination.

Health officials in the UK and U.S. are warning of a "twindemic," where the flu and COVID-19 circulate simultaneously. The segment notes that similar warnings were issued in 2020 and highlights the marketing of "quadrivalent" flu vaccines designed to protect against four different strains.

News outlets have begun using the term "twindemic" to describe the overlap of the COVID-19 pandemic and the upcoming flu season. Critics argue the term is a manufactured PR construct designed to drive flu vaccine sales. There is skepticism regarding the linguistic roots and necessity of the term.