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

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)

Related: Which types of flu vaccines are available?

The flu and COVID viruses will both be spreading at the same time this flu season. Vaccination against both is important and getting them at the same time can be more convenient.

Updated flu vaccines and newly formulated, monovalent COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2023.

Getting a flu vaccine will not protect you against COVID-19 (and vice versa). However, flu and COVID vaccination can help keep you from serious illness and out of the hospital. Plus, you'll be less likely to spread these viruses to others.

Related Questions

• How and where is a flu shot injection given?
• FluMist or Flu Shot: Which is more effective?
• What flu vaccine can I use with an egg allergy?

Who should get vaccinated for flu?

The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older receive a yearly flu vaccine. Flu vaccines are proven to help reduce flu complications, hospitalization and death.

People at higher risk for flu complications are include people who are pregnant, children under 5 years of age, adults older than 65 years of age, those with a weakened immune system, residents of long-term care facilities, and those with chronic medical conditions like lung disease, HIV / AIDS, or heart disease, among others.

Learn More: I am at high-risk for flu complications?

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.