Can you get a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?

Mike Brownlee, PharmD, chief pharmacy officer, answers your common questions.

Will my side effects be worse if I get both vaccines at the same time? Does getting both vaccines at the same time reduce how effective the vaccines are?

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.