Key takeaways:
If you’re getting a COVID-19 vaccine, it’s OK to get your flu shot at the same time.
It’s recommended to get your flu shot every year by the end of October. But you can still benefit from getting vaccinated after October.
The CDC recommends individual decision-making for COVID vaccines this year. In other words, the choice to get vaccinated should be made between you and a healthcare professional.
Getting vaccinated against COVID and the flu is the best way to protect yourself against serious illness from both of these infections.
Like many people, you may be looking to schedule your annual flu vaccine. And with the updated COVID-19 vaccines now available, you may be wanting to schedule that shot, too. But can you get them at the same time?
The short answer? Yes. You can get a COVID vaccine and your annual flu shot at the same time. Below we’ll cover what you should know about vaccine eligibility, timing, and more.
Can you get a COVID vaccine and flu shot at the same time?
Yes. You can get the COVID vaccine and the flu shot at the same time. And if you’re eligible for a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, you can receive that shot at the same time, too.
In other words, you can choose to get both vaccines on the same day to make it easier. In fact, combination COVID and flu vaccines are being studied and may be a possibility in the future.
But if you don't want to get them on the same day, that's OK, too. You can receive them on different days without regard to timing. You may also decide to do this if you’re not quite eligible for an updated COVID vaccine yet and don’t want to delay your flu vaccine.
Should you get a COVID vaccine and flu shot in separate arms?
It’s up to you. You can get the COVID vaccine and flu shot in the same arm or in different arms, depending on your preference. The injection sites just need to be at least 1 inch apart from each other.
What are the benefits of getting a COVID vaccine and flu shot at the same time?
The main benefit of getting a COVID vaccine and flu shot at the same time is convenience. By getting both vaccines at the same time, you’ll save yourself an extra trip to get the second vaccine.
Studies have shown that getting the COVID vaccine and flu shot together is safe. But there’s no definitive evidence that timing them this way boosts their effectiveness even more.
What are the side effects of combining a flu shot and COVID vaccine?
Common side effects of both the flu shot and COVID vaccine include:
Injection site reactions, such as pain, redness, and swelling
Fatigue
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches
Nausea
How they compare: Four COVID-19 vaccines are available in the U.S. But is one better than the other for your seasonal shot?
COVID vaccine side effects: Does your arm feel sore after receiving a COVID vaccine? Here’s a list of potential COVID vaccine side effects and how to manage them.
Flu vaccine interactions: Is it OK to take Tylenol after getting your flu shot? Get answers to common questions about flu vaccine interactions.
One study found that you may be more likely to experience certain body-wide side effects if you get a COVID vaccine and flu shot together, including:
Headache
Fatigue
Achy muscles
Keep in mind though that not everyone has side effects after getting the COVID vaccine. The same is true for the flu shot. And if you do experience side effects, they’re typically mild and go away after a few days. These temporary side effects can also be a sign that your body is responding to the vaccine(s).
Who can get the flu vaccine?
According to the CDC, almost everyone who is at least 6 months old should get a flu vaccine every year. Depending on your age, underlying health conditions, and allergies, you may be advised to get one vaccine option instead of another. Talk to your primary care provider about which flu vaccine is right for you.
Children younger than 6 months old have the highest flu hospitalization risk compared to older children. But before 6 months, they’re too young to get vaccinated. Because of this, getting vaccinated during and after pregnancy — and ensuring that others in contact with your child are vaccinated as well — is important in protecting your baby’s health
When should you get a flu vaccine?
Influenza (flu) virus activity typically peaks in the U.S. between December and February. So, it’s recommended for most people to get their flu shot in the fall — ideally September or October.
But flu season typically goes from October through May. So, it still pays to get vaccinated as soon as you can, even if you missed the recommended window.
If you currently have COVID, you should wait to get your flu shot. After you’ve recovered, you can get your flu shot at any time.
How long does protection from the flu shot last?
After you get your flu shot, it takes about 14 days (2 weeks) for your immune system to build up immunity. Similar to other vaccines, protection can wane over time. But if you get your shot in the fall, it should hold up for the duration of the flu season. The flu shot does not offer protection from COVID.
Keep in mind that in some cases you might still get the flu after getting the flu shot. But if you do, there’s a greater chance it’ll be a milder case than what it would have been. And how well the flu shot works depends on how closely it matches the circulating flu virus strains.
Who can get the COVID vaccine?
The CDC is recommending individual decision-making for COVID vaccines this year. That means the decision to get a COVID vaccine should be made between you and a healthcare professional, such as a physician, nurse, or pharmacist. And if you decide to get a COVID vaccine, you should be able to get one.
COVID vaccine doses, timing, and options can depend on factors such as your age and vaccination history. Most people only need one vaccine dose this season, regardless of vaccination status. But children ages 6 to 23 months who’ve never received a vaccine before get 2 doses, spaced 1 month apart. And those who’ve already received 1 dose should get their second dose a month later.
When should you get the COVID vaccine?
If you’ve never received a COVID vaccine before, you don’t need to wait. But if you’ve previously received a COVID vaccine dose, you should wait 2 to 3 months before getting the 2025-2026 formulation (depending on the vaccine). And if you’ve recently had COVID, your primary care provider may suggest waiting up to 3 months before getting your updated vaccine.
Frequently asked questions
Most vaccines can be given at the same time as the COVID vaccine. However, your healthcare professional may recommend spacing out certain vaccines if you’ve had a strong reaction to another shot. Talk with them to decide the best timing for all your vaccinations.
COVID vaccines are updated every year to protect against circulating variants. For most adults, they’re given as a single annual shot. In prior years, some older adults or people with weakened immune systems have been advised to get additional doses for stronger protection. Talk to your healthcare professional about their recommendations for vaccination.
You don’t have to mix Pfizer and Moderna (or Novavax) COVID shots, but you may decide to take this approach. Research shows it’s safe to receive one brand after another. While there’s limited evidence that mixing offers extra benefits, it’s a reasonable option. This is especially the case if one brand is more accessible, or if you prefer it based on past experience or side effects.
Most vaccines can be given at the same time as the COVID vaccine. However, your healthcare professional may recommend spacing out certain vaccines if you’ve had a strong reaction to another shot. Talk with them to decide the best timing for all your vaccinations.
COVID vaccines are updated every year to protect against circulating variants. For most adults, they’re given as a single annual shot. In prior years, some older adults or people with weakened immune systems have been advised to get additional doses for stronger protection. Talk to your healthcare professional about their recommendations for vaccination.
You don’t have to mix Pfizer and Moderna (or Novavax) COVID shots, but you may decide to take this approach. Research shows it’s safe to receive one brand after another. While there’s limited evidence that mixing offers extra benefits, it’s a reasonable option. This is especially the case if one brand is more accessible, or if you prefer it based on past experience or side effects.
The bottom line
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu is the best way to protect yourself from getting seriously sick. If you’re eligible for both vaccines, you can get them at the same time. If you have questions or concerns about when you should get either vaccine or their side effects, talk to your primary care provider or pharmacist about what’s best for you.
Why trust our experts?
References
Atmar, R. L., et al. (2022). Homologous and heterologous COVID-19 booster vaccinations. The New England Journal of Medicine.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Caregivers of infants and young children.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Getting a flu vaccine and other recommended vaccines at the same time.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Variants and genomic surveillance.
Grohskopf, L. A., et al. (2025). Prevention and control of seasonal influenza with vaccines: Recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices — United States, 2025–26 influenza season. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Hause, A. M., et al. (2022). Reactogenicity of simultaneous COVID-19 mRNA booster and influenza vaccination in the US. JAMA Network Open.
Moderna. (2025). SPIKEVAX- covid-19 vaccine, mrna injection, suspension [package insert]. DailyMed.
Roper, L. E., et al. (2024). Use of additional doses of 2024–2025 covid-19 vaccine for adults aged ≥65 years and persons aged ≥6 months with moderate or severe immunocompromise: Recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices — United States, 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025). It’s a good time to get your flu vaccine.
