CHARLOTTE, N.C. — With flu season right around the corner, doctors are encouraging people to get their flu shots before cases are reported in the Carolinas.
This shot would be in addition to the COVID-19 vaccine, which is available to anyone 12 and older. WCNC Charlotte's VERIFY team has received some questions about the flu shot and if it's safe to get at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.
THE QUESTION
Can you get both the COVID-19 shot and the flu shot?
SOURCES
- Family physician Dr. Karla Robinson
- Urundi Moore, pharmacy manager at Walgreens
ANSWER
Yes, you can get your flu shot and the COVID-19 shot. Both Dr. Robinson and Moore agree that because they target two different viruses, the vaccines would not negatively interact with each other.
"It's certainly OK to be vaccinated with the COVID vaccine and any other vaccines in adulthood and in childhood," Robinson said.
"It is safe to give a flu vaccination alongside a COVID vaccination. If a person is receiving their annual flu shot, it is going to be safe to get the first or second dose of their COVID vaccination," Moore said.
THE QUESTION
Is there a wait time between getting the COVID-19 vaccine or booster and a flu shot?
ANSWER
According to Robinson and Moore, there is no wait time necessary between shots.
"There will not be a time where they need to wait between the booster and shot and the flu shot," Moore said.
"You can even get it at the same time you are getting your COVID vaccine. There is no worry about that, we recommend everyone do that," Robinson said.
According to Moore, flu season typically runs from October until March and ramps up over the winter. Many pharmacies are now offering flu shots. Patients can also call their doctor's office to see if the shot is administered there.
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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