Flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time?

Sadly, flu season hasn’t waited for the COVID-19 pandemic to finish earlier than returning. Meaning getting each your flu vaccination and your COVID-19 vaccination or booster is your greatest guess to assist preserve your self and others protected from an infection.

So, are you able to get them on the similar time, or do it is advisable wait between vaccines?

No wait essential

After some preliminary warning, researchers have confirmed it’s protected to obtain the flu and COVID-19 vaccines on the similar time. And there’s no motive why the vaccines wouldn’t work collectively, in response to Brian Laird, RPH, PharmD, a hospital pharmacy supervisor for OSF HealthCare.

“When it first got here out, we beneficial ready two weeks between vaccines,” Brian stated. “The thought behind separating the vaccines was to unfold out any attainable uncomfortable side effects, like fatigue, soreness from the injection or fever, and to ensure there was no concern with COVID vaccine effectiveness.

“Nonetheless, we now counsel that if it makes it simpler for you, get them carried out on the similar time.”

“I do counsel you get the vaccines in numerous arms – it’s simpler for the folks administering the shot and doubtless simpler for ache administration, too,” Brian stated.

Getting the COVID-19 and flu vaccines on the similar time mustn’t make a distinction, so far as producing antibodies and the effectiveness of the vaccines.

Brian stated he bought his COVID-19 booster and his flu shot simply in the future aside. He would have gotten them on the similar time, if he’d had the chance. He additionally works with loads of individuals who have gotten each photographs at one time for the sake of comfort.

Nothing new

Trials are ongoing to mix the flu and COVID-19 vaccines right into a single shot.

Combining vaccines is neither new nor novel. In truth, it’s fairly widespread. The vaccines for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) had been all mixed into the Tdap shot. The vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella had been all mixed into the one MMR shot.

“There’s a lengthy historical past of mixing vaccines as a lot as attainable,” Brian stated. “Fewer injections are all the higher for individuals who don’t like getting caught.”

It’s most secure to not wait. When you’ve got but to get your COVID-19 or flu vaccine, discover a native retail pharmacy that administers them or verify our website for choices.

Final Up to date: January 31, 2022