Can I Get My COVID-19 Booster and Flu Shot Together?

Many people wonder if they can save time and get the yearly flu shot and the COVID-19 shot together. For most people, the short answer is yes.

Who is eligible for the most recently FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine formulation?
If it has been two months or longer since you received any type of COVID-19 vaccine, you may be eligible for this new version.  If you have never received a COVID-19 vaccine, you can also get it along with your flu shot. However, some people, such as those 6 months to 4 years of age, those who are immunocompromised, or those receiving the Novavax vaccine may need to get additional doses of the recommended formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine later to be fully immunized.

My arm usually hurts after getting a shot – will getting two together be worse?
You can get both injections in the same arm, but some experts usually recommend getting one shot in each arm (one for the COVID-19 vaccine and the other one for the flu shot) to minimize the discomfort. In general, trying to keep your arm muscle relaxed as you get the injection will minimize the pain and swelling. Other tips are to move and flex the muscle in the immediate hours after getting the shot. If you do have pain and swelling, you can apply ice or a warm compress.

Will other side effects be worse if I get both shots at the same time?
  While you may have side effects from getting the shots, there are unlikely to be substantially worse for most people getting the flu vaccine along with the COVID-19 vaccine.

Will both shots work as well if I get them at the same time?
Several clinical studies have found that getting both shots at the same time will not affect your response to the vaccine.

What if I am 65 years of age or older?
If you are 65 years of age and older, the CDC recommends that you get a higher dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine to have the most effective protection against influenza. Experts recommend getting each shot in different arms to reduce soreness in one arm.

Summary
If you have concerns about getting your COVID-19 shot and flu shot at the same time, be sure to ask your pharmacist or other healthcare provider. It is important to get vaccines on time, so getting both shots at the same time is a great choice for most people.