Yes, you should get the flu shot even if you got the COVID-19 vaccine.
These are two distinct types of vaccines that protect against two different categories of infections. Furthermore, it is possible to have both the flu and COVID-19 infection at the same time.
Coinfection may lead to more serious health issues that may even require hospitalization. Hence, you must take both these vaccines to protect yourself from the flu and COVID-19.
Can you get the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
Yes, you can take your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. These two vaccines do not interfere with each other’s efficacy nor do they lead to any specific side effects when taken together.
You can take your flu shot with any of the COVID-19 vaccine doses including the booster dose. The coadministration of these two types of vaccines is safe for both children and adults who are eligible for getting both vaccines.
Previously, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended getting the COVID-19 vaccine at a gap of 14 days with any other vaccine. This has, however, been withdrawn. Now, you can get the COVID-19 vaccine with any other vaccine provided the two vaccines are administered in different arms.
This, however, does not mean that you should delay getting any of the vaccines for the sake of convenience. If you are eligible for any of the vaccine doses, you must get them as early as possible to get maximum protection against the infections. Delaying vaccination beyond the prescribed time may reduce the vaccine efficacy.
Who should get a flu vaccine?
Flu vaccines are recommended for every person aged six years and older. There are, however, certain rare exceptions.
- Infants aged younger than six months
- Those with severe, life-threatening allergies to any ingredient (except egg proteins) in a flu vaccine, such as antibiotics and gelatin
- Those with a history of a severe allergic reaction to a dose of flu vaccine should not get that flu vaccine again
People with egg allergies generally do not have an allergic reaction to getting a flu shot containing egg protein. They may, however, consider egg-free flu vaccines, such as Flublok Quadrivalent (licensed for use in adults aged 18 years and older) and Flucelvax Quadrivalent (licensed for use in people aged four years and older).
People with a history of a type of severe paralysis called Guillain-Barré syndrome must consult their doctor before taking the flu shot.
Three main types of flu vaccines are available for the 2021-2022 flu season.
- They are two injectable flu vaccines called flu shots that include the inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV4s) and the recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV4).
- The third vaccine is a live attenuated viral vaccine (LAIV4) administered as a nasal spray.
Different flu vaccines are administered depending on factors, such as the person’s age and health conditions, including allergies.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Who Should and Who Should NOT Get a Flu Vaccine. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/whoshouldvax.htm
Whyte J. Should You Get the Flu Shot if You Got the COVID-19 Vaccine? Medscape. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/958521
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