Can I get the COVID and flu shots at the same time? When should you get the flu shot?

Last year saw a record influenza season in the United States, the result of mask wear and increased social distancing and hygiene. This year, however, experts warn the United States could see a “twinemia” with an outbreak of influenza and COVID-19 cases filling doctors’ offices and hospitals.

However, vaccines could help mitigate this, and you can get flu and COVID shots the same day, according to the CDC.

The CDC generally recommends that people get their flu shot in September or October, or even later if flu viruses are circulating. Flu shots are recommended for almost everyone aged 6 months and older.

Last year, the United States administered a record number of flu shots – some 193.8 million.

COVID vaccines – available in two-dose or single-dose versions – are available for anyone 12 years of age and older.

You can get both the flu shot and the COVID shot, the CDC said. Previously, the CDC recommended waiting 14 days between vaccinations, but that has changed and you can receive your COVID shots – including a third dose – at the same time as the flu shot.

“Experience with other vaccines has shown that the way our bodies develop a protection, known as the immune response, after being vaccinated and the possible side effects of vaccines are generally the same when given on their own. or with other vaccines, ”the CDC said.

Common side effects of the COVID vaccine include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site and fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea. Side effects usually go away within a few days.

The timing of the flu can differ across regions of the country and from season to season. However, a reduction in influenza activity in 2020 could lead to an early and possibly more severe influenza season. The agency added.