Can I get FluMist and the COVID vaccine at the same time?
According to the CDC, it is safe to give flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines during the same healthcare visit. If you are getting a flu shot, it should be given at a different site from your COVID vaccine (for example, the other arm or two separate areas on the same arm).
It may be more convenient for you, or your child, to have both a flu and COVID vaccine at the same clinic or pharmacy visit rather than delaying. Waiting may increase the chances for missing one of the vaccines, spreading the virus further, or becoming seriously ill and needing hospitalization.
Are side effects worse if I get the flu vaccine and COVID shot at the same time?
One study suggests you may have slightly more side effects in the 7 days following vaccination if you get both a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same visit.
- In a study of people who received both flu and COVID vaccines at the same time, 8% to 11% reported more side effects than those who only received a COVID vaccine.
- Most reactions were reported in the first day after vaccination and commonly included mild-to-moderate fatigue, headache and muscle aches.
Talk to your doctor about whether you should delay one of these vaccines, especially if you fall into a high risk category.
Common quadrivalent flu vaccines include:
- Afluria
- Fluad
- Fluarix
- FluBlok
- Flucelvax
- FluLaval
- Fluzone and Fluzone High-Dose
- FluMist (intranasal vaccine)
Related: Which types of flu vaccines are available?
The flu and COVID viruses will both be spreading at the same time this flu season. Vaccination against both is important and getting them at the same time can be more convenient.
Updated flu vaccines and newly formulated, monovalent COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2023.
Getting a flu vaccine will not protect you against COVID-19 (and vice versa). However, flu and COVID vaccination can help keep you from serious illness and out of the hospital. Plus, you'll be less likely to spread these viruses to others.
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Who should get vaccinated for flu?
The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older receive a yearly flu vaccine. Flu vaccines are proven to help reduce flu complications, hospitalization and death.
People at higher risk for flu complications are include people who are pregnant, children under 5 years of age, adults older than 65 years of age, those with a weakened immune system, residents of long-term care facilities, and those with chronic medical conditions like lung disease, HIV / AIDS, or heart disease, among others.
Learn More: I am at high-risk for flu complications?
Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. It is possible to have flu and other respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 at the same time.
Fewer people with severe flu or COVID symptoms will also help to conserve space in healthcare facilities, medical personnel and other needed resources.
It's best to get your flu vaccine by the end of October. In the U.S., new COVID vaccines for the 2023 winter are expected in the fall in late September.
If you fall into a high risk category and haven’t gotten your currently recommended dose of COVID-19 vaccine, you may need to get one as soon possible. Talk to your doctor about whether you should get a COVID vaccine now or wait until the latest vaccine is available in the fall of 2023.
This is not all the information you need to know about the flu vaccines and COVID vaccines for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Hause AM, Zhang B, Yue X, et al. Reactogenicity of Simultaneous COVID-19 mRNA Booster and Influenza Vaccination in the US. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(7):e2222241. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.222
- Ask the Experts. Immunize.org. COVID-19. June 14, 2023. https://www.immunize.org/askexperts/experts_cov.asp
- FluMist Quadrivalent Vaccine. Prescribing information. August 2023. MedImmune, LLC, Gaithersburg, MD. Accessed Aug 16, 2023 at https://den8dhaj6zs0e.cloudfront.net/50fd68b9-106b-4550-b5d0-12b045f8b184/6eed7dd8-73a2-40bf-a69d-f5237c5c8dbf/6eed7dd8-73a2-40bf-a69d-f5237c5c8dbf_viewable_rendition__v.pdf
- Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines in the United States. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Updated June 14, 2023. Accessed Aug 17, 2023 at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/interim-considerations-us.html#recommendations
Read next
How well does the flu vaccine work?
Flu vaccination typically reduces the risk of flu illness by between 40% and 60% during seasons when the flu viruses are well-matched to the flu vaccine. But if you are infected with the virus, the vaccine reduces your chances of getting the flu and passing it on to others and lessens the severity of symptoms, hospitalizations and death. Continue reading
How can I get a flu vaccine without a needle?
Options that are available for a needle-free flu vaccine are the FluMist Quadrivalent nasal spray and the Afluria Quadrivalent vaccine given with the Stratis needle-free jet injector. Check with your healthcare provider to see if you are eligible. Continue reading
Where can I get the flu vaccine right now?
You can find the flu vaccine most quickly at your local pharmacy, where you can usually walk in without an appointment. To save time, you might prefer to make an appointment. Call your pharmacist to be sure they have the current year's vaccine in stock. Continue reading
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Drug information
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