Should You Get Both the COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines at the Same Time?

It’s that time of year. As we continue navigating through the ongoing circulation of COVID-19 strains, we find ourselves facing another seasonal threat – the influenza virus, commonly known as the flu. The question arises: Is it safe to receive both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines simultaneously? Let’s explore the benefits and potential safety concerns in more detail.

Recommendations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that it is safe and acceptable to receive both COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time or in any sequence without regard to timing. If you are due for both vaccines, you can get both vaccines.

The Benefits of Dual Vaccination

Receiving both the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine in close proximity offers several advantages:

Added protection: By getting both vaccines, you enhance your body’s defense against two potentially severe respiratory illnesses. COVID-19 and the flu can lead to similar symptoms, making it prudent to protect yourself from both.
Beneficial to the community: Dual vaccination reduces the risk of contracting and spreading both illnesses, which helps protect your family, friends, and members of the community. This is especially important for those with frequent contact with infants, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals.
Convenience: Administering both vaccines saves time and money by minimizing office visits or trips to other healthcare providers.

Safety Considerations

For most individuals, receiving both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time is safe and well-tolerated. Both vaccines have undergone rigorous testing to ensure their efficacy and safety. However, both vaccines have been associated with side effects, including:

Injection site pain
Muscle aches
Headache
Fatigue
Mild fever

These side effects generally last no longer than a day or two and are signs that your body is building immunity. In a recent study following individuals who received both vaccines, there was a slight increase of 8% to 11% incidence of side effects. Less than 1% reported requiring medical attention.

Precautions

While co-administration is generally recommended, certain groups should take special precautions:

High-risk individuals: Those with underlying health conditions, such as severe allergies to vaccine components like eggs, should consult their healthcare provider before receiving both vaccines. In some cases, specific forms of vaccines are available to suit individual needs. If you have a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, you should consult your physician prior to receiving vaccines.
Pregnant and Breastfeeding Individuals: While vaccination is recommended, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding the timing and safety of both vaccines.

Wrap-Up

Receiving both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines simultaneously is safe and offers numerous benefits. Co-administration of these vaccines can help protect you from two potentially serious respiratory illnesses, extend protection to those around you by limiting transmission, and may help you save time and money.

Ultimately, the decision to get both vaccines should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider to ensure your medical history is considered.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Getting a Flu Vaccine and a COVID-19 Vaccine at the Same Time.” October 2022. Accessed October 12, 2023.
Hause, Anne M.; et al. “Reactogenicity of Simultaneous COVID-19 mRNA Booster and Influenza Vaccination in the US.” Journal of the American Medical Association, July 2022. Accessed October 12, 2023.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Who Should and Who Should NOT Get a Flu Vaccine.” August 2023. Accessed October 12, 2023.