It is the time of the respiratory virus season again.
Between flu and COVID, there are some doubts, like, Will I be able to have both vaccines simultaneously? Which one is superior to the other? When is the safest timing?”
You are not the first one.
That is why this blog goes into the 5 most searched FAQs concerning the use of flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines.
Well, let’s simplify.
1. Is it safe to get the flu and COVID vaccines at the same visit?
Yes, 100% safe and recommendable.
The CDC assures that it is possible to receive both shots on the same occasion: “People can get a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same visit and should not have to wait between the two vaccines,” and also ensures that there is no delay between the two shots.
According to the CDC, this is one of the practices in the CDC ACIP guidelines to ensure that it becomes easier to keep up-to-date.
Side effects, such as slight fatigue or aches, may be a little more common, but are mild and disappear soon.
2. Will getting both vaccines together cause stronger side effects?
Maybe slightly—but nothing serious. Clinical experience demonstrates that the coadministration augments the probability of moderate side effects (pain in the arm, headache, or feeling of fatigue), and no safety issues.
According to the CDC, these trifles are very much compensated by the advantages of the protection in due time.
3. Who should get vaccinated?
Everyone aged 6 months and older. CDC recommends seasonal flu vaccines for all 6 months and above every year.
According to the CDC on COVID-19, updated vaccines should be administered to children of the same age group either in the fall/winter of 2024-2025.
High-risk groups who especially benefit:
- Adults aged 65+
- Pregnant females.
- People with an immunocompromised state or with co-morbidities.
- Healthcare workers and caregivers
Vaccination data (Oct 2023–Mar 2024) among healthcare workers:
- At acute care hospitals, the Flu vaccine contains 80.7% of coverage, and 45.4% in nursing homes, as stated by the CDC.
- According to the CDC, the coverage of the COVID-19 vaccine: 15.3% within hospitals, 10.5% within nursing homes
4. Could I catch influenza and COVID together, and is co-infection worse?
Well, yes, it may be a co-infection, and a serious one. The two viruses are transmitted through respiratory droplets and aerosols. The CDC cautions that the overlap of the symptoms necessitates testing. There is a possibility of stronger morbidity and increased healing times with co-infections.
5. When’s the best time to get each shot?
- Flu vaccine: You can receive it even when influenza passes.
- COVID vaccine: CDC offers revised vaccines to everyone 6 months old before fall/winter.
