FILE - An illustrative image of a medical thermometer, flu medication, medical syringe, Covid-19 Antigen Rapid test, and Covid-19 vaccine vials. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images) With flu season approaching in the United States, as well as the availability of the updated COVID-19 booster for everyone age 12 and older, some may have questions about these vaccines and when to get them.
Is there a best time to get the flu shot? And is it OK to receive both the seasonal flu shot and the new COVID-19 booster designed to target circulating omicron strains at the same time?
Can kids get both during the same visit?Here are some answers to common questions:Yes, you can get a COVID-19 vaccine, including a COVID-19 booster shot, and a flu vaccine at the same time if you are eligible and the timing coincides, the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states on its website. The patient can receive one in each arm. The CDC notes that while both vaccines can be given at the same visit, people should be sure to follow the recommended schedule for either vaccine."If you haven’t gotten your currently recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccine, get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can, and ideally get a flu vaccine by the end of October," the CDC says.The agency adds that experience with other vaccines has shown that the immune response, and possible side effects after getting vaccinated, "are generally the same when given alone or with other vaccines."U.S.