The CDC originally recommended a two-week spacing between COVID-19 and other vaccinations , since it was closely monitoring reactions for this new vaccine . Now , you can get your COVID-19 shot or booster and flu vaccination at the same time . Studies show having them together does not affect efficacy .”
— David Cennimo , MD
COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can , and ideally get a flu vaccine by the end of October . Studies conducted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic indicate that it is safe to get both a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same visit . A recent CDC study published in JAMA suggests people who received a flu vaccine and an mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine at the same time were slightly more likely ( 8 percent to 11 percent ) to report systemic reactions including fatigue , headache , and muscle ache than people who only received a COVID-19 mRNA booster vaccine , but these reactions were mostly mild and resolved quickly . The findings of this study are consistent with safety data from clinical trials that did not identify any serious safety concerns with coadministration .”
“ Co-administration of the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines is safe and effective ,” says Cedars-Sinai ’ s Ben-Aderet , “ although if you tend to get localized pain from vaccine infections , I recommend spacing them out to minimize that .”
“ It is safe to get both the COVID and flu vaccines at the same time ,” says Dartmouth Hitchcock ’ s Calderwood . “ People typically get them administered on different sides . The flu shot often leaves you with a sore arm at the injection site that is short-lived . As for side effects from the COVID vaccine , people report similar side effects to the booster as what they may have experienced with the original vaccine . For most , these symptoms are mild and short lived . If you are worried about side effects , you can separate the two shots by a week .”
With the COVID-19 vaccines offering varying degrees of protection against illness and breakthrough infections as well as potential short- and long-term side effects , the public is also expressing concerns about the safety of influenza vaccines , as evidenced by the NFID survey .
Vaccine hesitancy continues despite the potential for increased illness or hospitalization without vaccination . The CDC estimates that approximately 94 percent of U . S . adults who were hospitalized with flu-related complications last season had at least one underlying medical condition . Yet only 43 percent of adults aged 18 to 49 years with at least one chronic health condition were vaccinated against flu during the 2021-2022 season . Of concern to public health experts this year , the NFID survey found that nearly 1 in 5 individuals ( 22 percent ) who are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications reported that they were not planning to get vaccinated against flu during the 2022-2023 season .
“ Flu vaccination is important for everyone , but it is especially important for those at higher risk from potentially serious complications of flu , including pregnant women , children under 5 years of age , adults aged 65 years and older , and those with certain chronic health conditions , including diabetes , lung disease , and heart disease ,” says Tamika C . Auguste , MD , ACOG fellow and chair of women ’ s and infants ’ services at MedStar Washington Hospital Center . “ Unfortunately , many of these populations have sub-optimal vaccination rates . I ’ m particularly concerned to see that vaccination rates for pregnant women dipped to 50 percent last season .”
Top 10 Flu Myths in 2022
Ochsner Health experts address the top 10 most common influenza-related myths .
Myth # 1 : Not everyone should get the flu vaccine
Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself , your loved ones and others . Everyone 6 months and older should get it every year . It will help guard you against the three or four strains predicted to affect most people that flu season . Scientists update the vaccine each year . Talk to your doctor if you have health concerns or questions . Patients should get their flu shot at their most convenient source , either through Primary Care , Urgent Care or their closest pharmacy
Myth # 2 : Antibacterial hand products are more effective than handwashing during flu season
The truth is one type of soap is not more effective than the other . Antibacterial soap or gel won ’ t protect you any more than plain old soap and water . If you wash your hands often and well , you ’ ll get rid of germs and viruses that stick to oil on your hands .
Myth # 3 : The flu doesn ’ t change every year
Flu strains change all the time . They can vary from year to year . They can even change in the middle of a flu season . That is why it is important to get the flu vaccine every year .
Myth # 4 : Antibiotics help fight the flu
Antibiotics only help with infections caused by bacteria . The flu is caused by a virus , not bacteria . Instead of antibiotics , antiviral drugs like oseltamivir ( Tamiflu ) and zanamivir ( Relenza ) can fight the flu virus and make you feel better faster . They work best if you take them within two days of getting sick , so be sure to ask your doctor about these meds ASAP if you think you have flu symptoms .
Myth # 5 : The flu vaccine will protect me from COVID-19 as well
Getting a flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19 , so it is encouraged to get both the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine . Both Flu and COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk complications , hospitalization and death due to the flu and COVID . The CDC states you can get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines , such as the flu shot , at the same visit . Experience with other vaccines has shown that the way our bodies develop protection , known as an immune response , after getting vaccinated and possible side effects of vaccines are generally the same when given alone or with other vaccines . Influenza and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses , but they are caused by different viruses . COVID-19 is caused