In this post we shall propose 3 peer-reviewed studies, and let our readers decide whether the title above is an accurate description of reality.
First Study
We randomized 115 children to trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) or placebo. Over the following 9 months, TIV recipients had an increased risk of virologically-confirmed non-influenza infections (relative risk: 4.40; 95% confidence interval: 1.31-14.8). Being protected against influenza, TIV recipients may lack temporary non-specific immunity that protected against other respiratory viruses.
Second Study
[…] We screened 355 symptomatic volunteers with acute respiratory illness and report 142 cases with confirmed influenza infection […] Fine- and coarse-aerosol viral RNA were positively associated with body mass index and number of coughs and negatively associated with increasing days since symptom onset in adjusted models. Fine-aerosol viral RNA was also positively associated with having influenza vaccination for both the current and prior season.
Third Study
Receiving influenza vaccination may increase the risk of other respiratory viruses, a phenomenon known as virus interference. […] This study aimed to investigate virus interference by comparing respiratory virus status among Department of Defense personnel based on their influenza vaccination status.
Vaccine derived virus interference was significantly associated with coronavirus and human metapneumovirus.
Conclusion
If you are a researcher reading this, please kindly consider trying to determine whether flu shot campaigns might have had an effect on the prevalence and seriousness of the current COVID situation. Existing data seems to suggest it may be the case.
We suspect such a line of research would however prove extremely controversial, especially if such a correlation can readily be established. Still there are researchers left with the standing and reputation allowing them to look into this, however taboo.