Can I get the flu shot and COVID shot at the same time?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Yes - the CDC explicitly recommends coadministration: all age-appropriate vaccines at one visit for anyone without a specific contraindication. Flu plus COVID is the most common pairing: two injections, usually one per arm, with side effects no worse than the sum - sore arms, maybe a tired day after. Pairing them is practical: same season, same fall visit, and one trip means the second shot actually happens. Reasons to split are individual - a contraindication or your own preference.
What to do
- Book one fall visit. September or October covers both seasonal vaccines.
- Expect one shot per arm. Soreness in both arms is the common trade.
- Plan a light next day. Fatigue and aches, when they happen, peak the day after.
- Raise contraindications at check-in. Allergies and prior reactions are the provider's screening, not your worry alone.
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