Flu shots & COVID-19: What you should know

If you’ve gotten the COVID-19 vaccine, do you still need a flu shot? Can you get both vaccines at the same time? Does the flu vaccine increase your risk of getting COVID-19? Pharmacist Nate Boutte has the answers to your flu shot questions in the time of COVID.

Here's what the CDC has to say about getting the flu shot in the time of COVID-19.

I've gotten the COVID-19 vaccine. Do I need a flu shot too?

You should absolutely get the flu shot. Even if you're already vaccinated against COVID-19. The flu shot and COVID-19 vaccines are different. Get both. The COVID-19 vaccine offers different protection than the flu shot. So the best way to prevent flu illness is for everyone six months and older to be vaccinated each year.

Can I get a flu shot and a COVID-19 shot at the same time?

Previous guidelines discouraged co-administration out of caution, but now that we know more about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, yes, it's safe to get the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.

Does a flu vaccine increase your risk of getting COVID-19?

Research shows that there is no evidence that getting a flu vaccination increases your risk of getting sick from coronaviruses like the one that causes COVID-19. The flu vaccine does not increase your risk of getting sick from COVID-19.