Can I get FluMist and the COVID vaccine at the same time?

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Official answer

by Drugs.com

According to the CDC, it is safe to give flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines during the same healthcare visit. If you are getting a flu shot, it should be given at a different site from your COVID vaccine (for example, the other arm or two separate areas on the same arm).

It may be more convenient for you, or your child, to have both a flu and COVID vaccine at the same clinic or pharmacy visit rather than delaying. Waiting may increase the chances for missing one of the vaccines, spreading the virus further, or becoming seriously ill and needing hospitalization.

Are side effects worse if I get the flu vaccine and COVID shot at the same time?

One study suggests you may have slightly more side effects in the 7 days following vaccination if you get both a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same visit.

  • In a study of people who received both flu and COVID vaccines at the same time, 8% to 11% reported more side effects than those who only received a COVID vaccine.
  • Most reactions were reported in the first day after vaccination and commonly included mild-to-moderate fatigue, headache and muscle aches.

    • Talk to your doctor about whether you should delay one of these vaccines, especially if you fall into a high risk category.

    Common quadrivalent flu vaccines include:

  • Afluria
  • Fluad
  • Fluarix
  • FluBlok
  • Flucelvax
  • FluLaval
  • Fluzone and Fluzone High-Dose
  • FluMist (intranasal vaccine)

    • Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. It is possible to have flu and other respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 at the same time.

    Fewer people with severe flu or COVID symptoms will also help to conserve space in healthcare facilities, medical personnel and other needed resources.

    It's best to get your flu vaccine by the end of October. In the U.S., new COVID vaccines for the 2023 winter are expected in the fall in late September.

    If you fall into a high risk category and haven’t gotten your currently recommended dose of COVID-19 vaccine, you may need to get one as soon possible. Talk to your doctor about whether you should get a COVID vaccine now or wait until the latest vaccine is available in the fall of 2023.

    This is not all the information you need to know about the flu vaccines and COVID vaccines for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

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