Flu Resources

Yes, influenza and COVID-19 are different viruses, requiring different vaccines to protect you.

Yes, it is safe to get the COVID and flu vaccine at the same time. Vaccines given with a needle at the same visit should be given at separate places on the body (at least one inch apart). Adults and older children can get them in the same arm at least an inch apart, or they can get them in different arms. Young children can get them in the same thigh at least an inch apart, or they can get them in different thighs. 

Your flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine or booster can be given at the same time, in any order, or at any interval, if not given at the same time.

No. The flu vaccine only protects against the flu.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all individuals 6 months and older be vaccinated each year.

Influenza vaccination is recommended for all children aged 6 months and older. At all BJC free flu shot clinics, the following apply:

• All children 17 years and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. A grandparent can bring the child with written consent from a parent.
• If this is the first year your child is receiving the flu vaccine and he or she is 6 months through 8 years of age, then a second follow-up vaccine is required four weeks after the first dose for maximum effectiveness. Only the first dose will be given at these clinics, so you will need to see your primary health care provider for the follow-up vaccine.
• If your child is 6 months through 8 years of age and received two or more doses of flu vaccine prior to July 1, 2022, then only one dose of vaccine is needed this season.
   

Although the elderly, the very young, and those with chronic illness may be more susceptible to the deadlier effects of the flu, everyone is at risk of the dangerous effects of the flu. Every year, even previously healthy adults and children end up in the hospital, and in the intensive care unit, unable to breathe on their own.

In addition to protecting yourself from getting the flu, getting vaccinated decreases the spread of disease for everyone. Approximately 20% to 30% of people carrying the influenza virus have no symptoms. Even if you think you aren’t at risk, you could be spreading the illness to someone at high risk of complications from the flu.

No. The flu shot is made from an inactivated virus that can’t cause an infection. The flu shot can cause a sore arm. People who get sick with flu right after receiving a flu vaccination were likely going to get sick anyway from a recent exposure to someone with the flu. It takes about two weeks to get protection from the vaccine, but people assume that because they got sick after getting the vaccine, the flu shot caused their illness. The flu shot also only protects against influenza, so you can still get a cold after you get the vaccine.

No. The CDC recommends that all women who are pregnant during flu season receive the seasonal flu shot. According to the CDC, influenza is more likely to cause severe illness and death in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women. The effects of the flu virus on a pregnant woman’s immune system, heart, and lungs can endanger her life and the life of her unborn child.

Research suggests the flu vaccine is not only safe for expectant moms and their developing babies, but also effective. Pregnant women who get a flu shot get sick less frequently with influenza than those who don't get the vaccine.

We don’t yet have enough experience with COVID-19 to know how common co-infection with influenza may be or what kind of illness that would cause. Since both viruses can cause breathing problems, it makes sense that having both together may make those problems worse.

For more specific information about the flu and flu shots, we recommend the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as the best single source of information.

CDC Influenza (Flu) web page

Vaccine Information Statement (VIS

Recommendations of Immunization Practices from the CDC