Member: I plan to get my flu shot soon. Should I also get another COVID-19 shot? I haven’t heard much about boosters lately — is there an update? —Larry, Mounds View
Anita: Hi Larry and thank you for the question. First off, I’m glad to hear you are getting your flu shot.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an annual flu shot for everyone over 6 months old as it is a proven defender against illness during the fall and winter months when flu risk is highest. The flu shot composition is reviewed and updated each year to match whatever flu viruses are circulating and making people sick and it generally reduces your risk of getting the flu between 40% and 60%. To your question, you can get a flu shot and COVID-19 vaccination booster at the same time. It is safe and will save you a trip to the doctor or pharmacy.
Right now, the CDC recommends that everyone 6 years old and older get one updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of whether they’ve received any of the original COVID-19 vaccines. Beyond that, people aged 65 and older can get one additional COVID-19 vaccine dose four or more months after their first updated COVID-19 vaccine. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised can get a single additional COVID-19 vaccine two or more months after their last updated COVID-19 vaccine.
When we say “updated” COVID-19 vaccines that’s because the latest shots protect against both the original virus and newer variants. You might also hear these vaccines called “bivalent.” What’s most important to remember is that, like the flu vaccine, COVID- 19 vaccines are reviewed and updated to make sure that they provide maximum protection against the viruses that are going around.
If you have any questions about the vaccines or your schedule, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can help ensure you get the protection you need to stay as healthy as possible.