Getting a Flu Vaccine and a COVID-19 Vaccine at the Same Time
You can get both vaccines in one arm (at least an inch apart), or a vaccine in each arm. It’s up to you.
For certain flu vaccines that might be more likely to cause symptoms where they are injected, separate arms are recommended if possible.
You can get a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same visit if you are due for both vaccines. This is an option.
What is coadministration?
Coadministration of vaccines refers to giving or getting more than one vaccine during a visit. This is common clinical practice. While there are some exceptions, many vaccines can be given at the same visit.
Why would a health care provider encourage people to get both vaccines at the same time?
Giving more than one vaccine at a visit, also called “coadministration” is common medical practice and is recommended. The idea is to get people up to date on all the vaccines they are due for at one visit. This can ensure that people get all of their vaccines, in case they are not able to return visit for additional vaccinations at a later time.
Can flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines be coadministered?
Yes, flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if you are due for both vaccines.
Is it safe to get a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
Studies conducted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic indicate that it is safe to get both a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same visit. A CDC study published this summer showed people who got a flu vaccine and an mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine at the same time were slightly more likely (8% to 11%) to have reactions including fatigue, headache, and muscle ache than people who only got a COVID-19 mRNA booster vaccine, but these reactions were mostly mild and went away quickly. The findings of this study are consistent with safety data from clinical trials that did not find any safety concerns with giving both vaccines at the same time.
Why should I get a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same visit?
Getting both vaccines at the same time if you are due for both is an option for consumers. Some people might prefer to get their vaccines at one time. This might be more convenient than having two separate visits.
If I get both vaccines at the same visit, where should I get them?
CDC has guidance for health care providers on giving more than one vaccine at the same visit. For flu and COVID-19 vaccines, you can either get both vaccines in the same arm (at least an inch apart), or you can get them in different arms. Either is okay. The high-dose (Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent) or adjuvanted flu vaccine (Fluad Quadrivalent) may be more likely to cause side effects compared to standard dose flu vaccines. You may want to get these high-dose flu vaccines in different arms than the arm receiving a COVID-19 vaccine to reduce side effects in one arm.
If I decide to wait between getting my flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine, is there a recommended waiting time between vaccines?
No, there’s no recommended waiting time between getting a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Administration of influenza vaccines with other vaccines: Summary of Recommendations
- Guidance on administration of multiple vaccines:
