Can you get the COVID-19 booster shot and the flu shot at the same time?

Fall is here and as the weather changes and gets colder it offers us the perfect reminder of our seasonal vaccinations.

While many states have lifted their mask requirements due to the developing pandemic, the colder seasons are likely to see a spike in cases. With the flu also to consider, many are wondering if it is safe to take both the COVID booster and the flu shot at the same time. The short answer? It is.

If you prefer to save time and don’t want to make multiple trips to the pharmacy, it’s best to take both shots at once.

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Photo by Mufid Majnun via Unsplash

Regarding how the process works, experts suggest taking a shot on each arm. “God gave us two arms: one for the flu shot and the other for the COVID shot,” said Dr. Asish Jha, White House Pandemic Response Director. He was joking, but he’s right. While you can get both shots in the same arm, you might feel particularly sore if you choose to do so.

As for the side effects, you should expect the same: pain at the injection site, fatigue, maybe those symptoms with a fringe, but nothing too out of the ordinary.

However, if you’re squeamish about what’s going on inside your body, you don’t need to get two shots at once. dr Miriam Alexander told WBALTV that the majority of experts recommend getting a flu shot in October to extend protection through the winter.

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“Typically the best time to get a flu shot is sometime in October as the flu shot loses some of its effectiveness in early spring and we want you to still be protected from the flu in February and early March when we know I have.” still got the flu,” she said. “We think there could be a surge in flu this year.”

It’s entirely up to you, but now is a good time to start making plans for your shoot if that’s one of your priorities.