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 the person is eligible and the timing for each vaccine is right. No studies are available that specifically address the safety of giving the FluMist (live attenuated influenza) nasal vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine at the same healthcare visit.

The World Health Organization states that COVID-19 vaccines may be given at the same time, or any time before or after, other adults vaccines, including live attenuated, inactivated, adjuvanted or non-adjuvanted vaccines. The FluMist vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine that contains a weakened form of the flu virus. It's a live attenuated vaccine, which means it's not fully inactivated like the regular flu shot.

FluMist is approved for the prevention of influenza (“flu”) disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and B in individuals 2 through 49 years of age.

Side effects with the COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot

A 2024 placebo-controlled, randomized study in JAMA Network Open has shown that receiving the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and the inactivated influenza (flu) vaccines at the same visit or getting them 1 to 2 weeks apart did not cause more side effects, like moderate or severe fever, chills, muscle aches or joint pain, in one group over the other.

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, at least one inch apart). Young children can get the shots in the same thigh at least one inch apart, or they can get them in different thighs.

It may be more convenient for you, or your child, to have both the flu and COVID vaccines at the same clinic or pharmacy visit rather than delaying. Waiting may increase the chances for missing a vaccine, spreading the virus further, or becoming seriously ill and needing hospitalization. Speak to your healthcare provider if you or your child prefers the FluMist nasal vaccine.

Are side effects worse if I get the flu vaccine and COVID shot at the same time?

No. Randomized studies have shown that side effects are similar whether you get the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine shot at the same or different times.

A recent randomized, placebo-controlled study with 335 nonpregnant persons aged 5 years or older found that side effects were similar following vaccination between groups who received both a COVID-19 mRNA bivalent vaccine (BioNTech/Pfizer) and an inactivated influenza (flu) vaccine at the same visit, or if they spaced each vaccine out by 1 to 2 weeks. Shots were given in different arms.

The primary outcome was to look at the proportion of participants with adverse events (side effects) of fever, chills, and muscle and/or joint pain of moderate or greater severity within 7 days after the vaccination visits. Serious adverse events and adverse events of special interest were assessed for 121 days.

Researchers found there were no significant differences in the primary outcomes of rates of adverse events such as fever, chills, and muscle and/or joint pain of moderate or greater severity within 7 days after the vaccination visits (25.6% vs. 31.3%) in the groups that received the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same visits vs. those who split them up by 1 to 2 weeks. In addition, no differences were seen between groups for serious adverse events (0.6% vs. 0.6%).

Another study from the CDC showed that people who got a flu vaccine and COVID-19 monovalent vaccine at the same time were slightly more likely to have reactions including fatigue, headache, and muscle ache than people who only got a COVID-19 monovalent vaccine, but the side effects were mostly mild and went away quickly.

Common 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.

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.

FluMist was approved by the FDA is Sept 2024 for at-home use by a patient or caregiver. This option will still require a prescription. Home delivery of FluMist is anticipated to be available next year for the 2025-2026 flu season.

Related questions

• How and where is a flu shot injection given?
• What flu vaccine can I use with an egg allergy?
• FluMist or Flu Shot: Which is more effective?

Who should get vaccinated for flu and COVID-19?

In 2024-2025, the CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older receive a flu and COVID-19 vaccine, as indicated for age and vaccine history. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are proven to help reduce complications, hospitalization and death.

Updated flu vaccines and newly formulated, and COVID-19 vaccines are now available for the 2024-2025 season. It's best to get your vaccines by the end of October. But if you miss this date, it's not too late, as flu viruses tend to circulate until late spring in some years, and COVID-19 viruses can be ongoing, with peaks occurring throughout the winter and the rest of the year.

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.

Vaccination is especially important for people at highest risk of severe COVID-19, including people ages 65 years and older, people who are pregnant (to protect themselves and their infants), children under 5 years of age, people with underlying medical conditions, including immune compromise; and people living in long-term care facilities.

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.

Learn More: I am at high-risk for flu complications?

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.