Fall has arrived, which means many people are starting to think about getting their annual flu vaccine or COVID-19 booster shot.
Perhaps you’ve seen ads about getting both vaccinations up to date ahead of flu season, such as a campaign featuring Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, and are wondering when you should make an appointment. You may have thought about it. Some people may wonder if it’s safe to get the coronavirus vaccine and the flu shot at the same time.
Experts warn that it’s important to get properly vaccinated against respiratory viruses ahead of the cold season, especially after the surge in coronavirus infections in late summer.
Here’s what you need to know about this year’s vaccines and what experts recommend.
Flu season:CDC releases recommendations for influenza vaccination
When can I receive the influenza vaccine and COVID-19 booster therapy?
Both shots are now available.
There is also a vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RS virus). The world’s first respiratory syncytial virus vaccine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in May to protect adults 60 and older from the worst symptoms of the common respiratory virus, which infects the lungs and respiratory tract.
It takes about two weeks after being vaccinated for our bodies to create enough antibodies to protect us from the virus. That’s why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you start thinking about getting vaccinated now by the end of October. Increase in the number of people infected with respiratory viruses.
Influenza vaccination is recommended for most people Adults and children over 6 months old.
During last year’s influenza season (usually peaking from December to February), CDC reported Up to 54 million people in the United States have contracted influenza, and 58,000 have died from influenza-related illnesses. Experts say getting vaccinated is essential because the CDC estimates that the flu shot prevented an additional 1.8 million flu-related illnesses during the previous season.
CDC We also recommend Everyone age 5 and older should receive one dose of the new Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least two months after the last dose. The CDC recommends that children ages 6 months to 4 years old, who have not been previously vaccinated against COVID-19, be vaccinated with one or two doses of the latest COVID-19 vaccine and vaccinated against COVID-19. If you have had a viral infection, you will need to receive one or two doses of the vaccine. You must receive the vaccine by September 12, 2023.
President Joe Biden:The president received a booster shot against the coronavirus and a flu shot.White House calls on other Americans to do the same
Is it safe to get the flu shot and the COVID-19 booster shot at the same time? Can they be given in the same arm?
Although Americans can make separate vaccine appointments, it is safe to receive the coronavirus vaccine and flu shot at the same time. According to the CDC.
In fact, the two were often given at the same time during the past two flu seasons. According to a study by the CDC, while the convenience of only having to go to your local pharmacy or family doctor once is convenient, the only small downside is that you may feel worse temporarily than taking one at a time. .
In fact, it doesn’t even matter whether you put them both in the same arm or not.
One recent research A paper published in July on Jama Network found that receiving a coronavirus vaccine and a flu shot together does not significantly change the body’s immune response to one or both vaccines.
However, because the RSV vaccine is new, there is limited information about its co-administration with influenza and coronavirus vaccines. According to the CDC report I didn’t recommend it either way.
What the data says:Are concerns about the coronavirus vaccine impacting flu shot rates?
How should I feel the next day?
Research shows that if you choose to receive both vaccines at the same time, you may experience a slightly more severe reaction.
According to the CDC, side effects such as fatigue, headaches, and muscle aches are more likely when both vaccines are given at the same time.
“Most of these reactions were mild and subsided quickly,” the CDC concluded.
Eric Lagatta covers the latest and trending news for USA TODAY. Please contact elagatta@gannett.com.
