We’re rapidly approaching flu season, and with COVID-19 vaccine boosters available for certain individuals, you might wonder, when is the best time to get the COVID-19 vaccine booster and the flu vaccine? Additionally, can—or should—you get them at the same time?
Mike Brownlee, PharmD, chief pharmacy officer, answers your common questions.
Yes, these two vaccines can be administered at the same time, though it is recommended that you receive them in separate limbs. It is a very common practice to administer several vaccines at the same time during a visit with a care provider.
The CDC has provided guidance on co-administration of the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Experience with giving other vaccines together has shown that the way our bodies develop protection and possible side effects are generally similar when vaccines are given alone or with other vaccines. You may have side effects from the flu vaccine or the COVID-19 vaccine, or both, but there is no evidence to suggest that the side effects will be worse because you received two vaccines at once. Additionally, the vaccines will each be effective whether you receive each individually or at the same time.
While many local pharmacies and UI Health Care locations do offer both the COVID-19 vaccines and the flu shot, it is important to confirm that both vaccinations are offered at the location you wish to visit.
The contents of this website are for information purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not rely on the information provided for medical decision making and should direct all questions regarding medical matters to their physician or other health care provider. Use of this information does not create an express or implied physician-patient relationship.