Can You Get a COVID-19 Vaccine or Booster and a Flu Shot at the Same Time

Like many people, you may be looking to schedule your annual flu vaccine. And with the updated COVID-19 vaccines now available, you may be wanting to schedule that shot, too. But can you get them at the same time?

The short answer? Yes. You can get a COVID vaccine and your annual flu shot at the same time. Below we'll cover what you should know about vaccine eligibility, timing, and more.

Can you get a COVID vaccine and flu shot at the same time?

Yes. You can get the COVID vaccine and the flu shot at the same time. And if you're eligible for a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, you can receive that shot at the same time, too.

In other words, you can choose to get both vaccines on the same day to make it easier. In fact, combination COVID and flu vaccines are being studied and may be a possibility in the future.

But if you don't want to get them on the same day, that's OK, too. You can receive them on different days without regard to timing. You may also decide to do this if you're not quite eligible for an updated COVID vaccine yet and don't want to delay your flu vaccine.

Should you get a COVID vaccine and flu shot in separate arms?

It's up to you. You can get the COVID vaccine and flu shot in the same arm or in different arms, depending on your preference. The injection sites just need to be at least 1 inch apart from each other.

What are the benefits of getting a COVID vaccine and flu shot at the same time?

The main benefit of getting a COVID vaccine and flu shot at the same time is convenience. By getting both vaccines at the same time, you'll save yourself an extra trip to get the second vaccine.

Studies have shown that getting the COVID vaccine and flu shot together is safe. But there's no definitive evidence that timing them this way boosts their effectiveness even more.

What are the side effects of combining a flu shot and COVID vaccine?

Common side effects of both the flu shot and COVID vaccine include:

• Injection site reactions, such as pain, redness, and swelling

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Headache

• Muscle aches

• Nausea

One study found that you may be more likely to experience certain body-wide side effects if you get a COVID vaccine and flu shot together, including:

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Achy muscles

Keep in mind though that not everyone has side effects after getting the COVID vaccine. The same is true for the flu shot. And if you do experience side effects, they're typically mild and go away after a few days. These temporary side effects can also be a sign that your body is responding to the vaccine(s).

Who can get the flu vaccine?

According to the CDC, almost everyone who is at least 6 months old should get a flu vaccine every year. Depending on your age, underlying health conditions, and allergies, you may be advised to get one vaccine option instead of another. Talk to your primary care provider about which flu vaccine is right for you.

Children younger than 6 months old have the highest flu hospitalization risk compared to older children. But before 6 months, they're too young to get vaccinated. Because of this, getting vaccinated during and after pregnancy - and ensuring that others in contact with your child are vaccinated as well - is important in protecting your baby's health.

When should you get a flu vaccine?

Influenza (flu) virus activity typically peaks in the U.S. between December and February. So, it's recommended for most people to get their flu shot in the fall - ideally September or October.

But flu season typically goes from October through May. So, it still pays to get vaccinated as soon as you can, even if you missed the recommended window.

If you currently have COVID, you should wait to get your flu shot. After you've recovered, you can get your flu shot at any time.

How long does protection from the flu shot last?

After you get your flu shot, it takes about 14 days (2 weeks) for your immune system to build up immunity. Similar to other vaccines, protection can wane over time. But if you get your shot in the fall, it should hold up for the duration of the flu season. The flu shot does not offer protection from COVID.

Keep in mind that in some cases you might still get the flu after getting the flu shot. But if you do, there's a greater chance it'll be a milder case than what it would have been. And how well the flu shot works depends on how closely it matches the circulating flu virus strains.

Who can get the COVID vaccine?

The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated COVID vaccine. The updated Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are approved or authorized for people ages 6 months and older. The updated Novavax is authorized for people ages 12 and older. Vaccine doses and timing are based on your age and vaccination history.

People who've never received a COVID vaccine

If you've never received a COVID vaccine, everyone ages 5 years and older is eligible to receive a single dose of the updated Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. People ages 12 and older are eligible to receive 2 updated Novavax doses, 3 weeks apart.

For unvaccinated children ages 6 months to 4 years old, multiple doses are recommended. If your child receives the updated Pfizer vaccine, they'll get a second dose in 3 weeks, followed by a third dose 8 weeks after that. For the updated Moderna vaccine, they'll get two doses given 1 month apart.

People who've received a COVID vaccine before

If you've received any COVID vaccine before, you're also eligible for an updated vaccine dose, as follows:

• Ages 5 and older (any vaccine): Single updated Pfizer or Moderna dose if it has been at least 2 months since your last COVID shot

• Ages 12 and older (1 prior Novavax dose): Single updated Novavax dose if it has been at least 3 weeks since your last dose

• Ages 12 and older (other COVID vaccines or 2+ Novavax doses): Single updated Novavax dose if it has been at least 2 months since your last dose

For children ages 6 months through 4 years old, doses and timing depend on the vaccine.

• Received one Moderna dose previously: Eligible to receive one updated Moderna dose if it's been at least 1 month since their last dose

• Received 2 or more Moderna doses previously: Eligible to receive one updated Moderna dose if it's been at least 2 months

• Received one Pfizer dose previously: Eligible to receive an updated Pfizer dose at least 3 weeks later, followed by a second dose 8 weeks after that

• Received 2 or more Pfizer doses previously: Eligible to receive an updated Pfizer dose if it's been at least 8 weeks

If you're unsure about vaccine eligibility and timing, reach out to your primary care provider or pharmacist.

When should you get the COVID vaccine?

If you've never received a COVID vaccine before, you don't need to wait. But if you've recently received a COVID vaccine dose, you may be advised to delay getting the updated vaccine until you're eligible. And if you've recently had COVID, your primary care provider may suggest waiting 3 months to get your updated vaccine.