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Even in the midst of a wave of COVID-19, flu season is approaching. And since we all want to do everything we can to protect ourselves from both the flu and COVID-19, is it okay to receive both vaccines that help prevent these diseases at the same time?
The answer is a definite yes, according to Anthony Fauci, MD, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. And that goes for both the initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as well as the COVID-19 booster (if you’re eligible), Dr Fauci said.
In a recent interview on CNN The situation roomWolf Blitzer specifically asked Dr. Fauci whether or not it was okay for people to receive both vaccines and, if so, the booster dose at the same time. “What you need to do is get it as soon as you can and in the fastest way,” Dr. Fauci said. “If that means going in and getting the flu shot in one arm and COVID in the other, that’s perfectly fine. There is nothing wrong with that at all. In fact, it might make it more convenient and more likely that you were going to get them both if you could do it easily in one visit. So whatever it takes to get both, go ahead and do it. If it’s a visit, that’s perfectly fine.
Earlier in the pandemic, when COVID-19 vaccines were newer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised people to leave at least two weeks between these injections and other vaccines. But, as Waleed Javaid, MD, director of infection prevention and control in downtown Mount Sinai, previously told SELF, there is now enough evidence – and enough information on vaccine combinations. previous ones – for the CDC to say it’s okay to catch both the flu and COVID -19 vaccines at the same time.
“If a patient is eligible, the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit, regardless of the time,” the CDC explains. “If a patient is to receive both vaccines, providers are encouraged to offer both vaccines at the same visit. However, that does not mean that you have to wait for one vaccine to be able to receive the other at the same time. You should plan to get your COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible and your flu shot (ideally) before the end of October. If it works for you to get them both at the same time, that’s even better – and, as Dr Fauci noted, the right timing could increase the likelihood that you will follow through and get those two shots.
Depending on your eligibility for a COVID-19 booster, you may want to run out and get it quickly (if you’re over 65 or are immunocompromised, for example). Or you may want to discuss with your doctor first the possible risks and benefits of a third dose of the vaccine for your individual case. But anyone six months or older should get a flu shot. Not only will getting the flu shot protect you and those around you from life-threatening flu complications, it will also keep the supply of hospital beds available for COVID-19 patients who need them. right now.
Another bonus? The other public health measures we’re taking to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, like wearing masks and avoiding crowds, have helped curb the last flu season and could do so again if we do. can maintain them.
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Originally appeared on SELF
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