Now that flu season is here, there are two important vaccinations to get: flu and COVID-19. And here’s some good news: you can safely get both vaccinations at the same time!
There are several benefits to this approach:
- Recovery time: If either vaccine leads to side effects (for example, fatigue or soreness), you’ll be able to recover from any symptoms at the same time.
- Convenience: One appointment instead of two is simply a better use of your valuable time.
- Protection: If you receive both shots at once, you’ll be sure to receive protection from both COVID-19 and flu viruses.
If you decide to receive both vaccines during one visit to your health care provider, pharmacy or vaccination event, it’s best to receive them in separate sites – for example, one shot in each arm or in two different areas of your shoulder muscle.
New research is showing that dual vaccination is safe as well as effective.
Data from a recent British study supports the idea it’s just as effective and just as safe to get both of these vaccines at the same time. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) also advises that the COVID-19 vaccine can be given with other vaccines at a single visit.
The CDC says it is not known whether receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and another vaccine at the same time increases the risk of side effects. However, the British researchers found no additional side effects from this approach. When researchers measured the participants’ antibodies, they observed that giving COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time is just as effective as giving them over two visits.
Flu vaccinations are available at Bon Secours primary care practices for existing patients, and for information on COVID-19 vaccinations, please visit our website.
Both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are also available at most retail pharmacies.
