Is it possible to get the flu and the COVID-19 vaccines at the same time?
Yes, you can get all of your shots in one visit.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended waiting 14 days between COVID-19 vaccines and other immunizations. It was when they initially became available in the United States. However, the agency has recently amended its policies and claims that the delay is no longer necessary and it is okay to take flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time.
The CDC and other health experts refer to previous experience that shows immunizations function as expected. Also, any side effects are the same whether the doses are administered separately or at the same time.
“We have a history of vaccinating our kids with multiple vaccines,” says flu specialist Richard Webby of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Experts warn that staying up to date on all immunizations will be especially critical this year.
Last year’s flu season barely registered since individuals were masked and stayed at home. With more sites reopening, it’s unknown how severe the flu season will be this year.
“The worry is that if they both circulate at the same time, we’re going to have this sort of ‘twin-demic,’”. Webby says. “The concern with that is that it’s going to put extra strain on an already strained health care system.”
The CDC advises that everyone 6 months and older receive an annual flu vaccine. Also, everyone should get the vaccines by the end of October. The flu vaccine takes 10 to 14 days to fully activate. So if you wait until the virus is widespread, your body may not have enough time to build up immunity. Vaccination choices vary by age but include a variety of shots as well as a nasal spray.
One word of caution: COVID-19, colds, and flu all have similar symptoms. So if you’re sick, the CDC recommends delaying your immunization until you’re feeling better to avoid infecting others.
