During peak virus season, getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and for the flu are two of the best things you can do to stay safe and healthy!
According to the CDC, it’s OK to get both vaccines at the same time, and our AFC Urgent Care Ballantyne team provides further information below. Keep reading!
Is It Safe to Get the COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine at the Same Time?
Yes, it is! At first, when the COVID-19 vaccines were granted authorization for emergency use, the CDC recommended waiting 14 days between getting that and any other vaccine. This was in order to make sure both vaccines would be effective and to minimize side effects.
Now, though, there is no restriction on vaccine co-administration. Online, the CDC says, “Experience with other vaccines has shown that the way our bodies develop protection, known as an immune response, after getting vaccinated and possible side effects of vaccines are generally the same when given alone or with other vaccines.”
Common Vaccine Side Effects
- Pain, redness or swelling on the arm vaccinated
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Chills
- Fever
- Nausea
Will the Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines Interfere With Each Other?
No, they won’t. A flu shot provides a specific “key” that unlocks a strengthened immune response to protect against influenza, while the COVID-19 vaccine provides a different key that unlocks a strengthened immune response to protect against COVID-19.
Even though both vaccines unlock different keys, they won’t counteract each other. Besides getting vaccinated, we’ve listed some additional ways to stay safe and healthy this winter below.
How to Prevent Flu and COVID-19 This Winter
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
- Wear a mask in public spaces.
- Stay at home and away from others when you are sick to prevent catching and transmitting illness and potential virus.
Want to schedule your flu vaccine? Don’t hesitate to visit our website to make an appointment!
