Yes. Combination vaccines are safe and have been around for decades.
Arranging to get a COVID booster shot or a flu shot takes time. You need to find a clinic offering what you need, book the time off work or set it aside, and get to your appointment on time. Being able to get both shots done simultaneously can be of benefit. But can your body handle this?
Experts in the US are saying ‘yes’ it can. In fact, various public health departments across the US are going so far as to schedule joint vaccine clinics to provide patients with protection against both ailments at once, according to Lori Tremmel Freeman who spoke with CNN. Tremmel Freeman is the chief executive officer of the National Association of County and City Health Officials. Officials are hoping that by holding joint vaccine clinics more people will get vaccinated for both COVID and the flu this fall.
Related: Free, at-home COVID tests to end in the US
The goal is to help ease the burden on hospitals, which is something the health sector needs. Biden recently announced the pandemic was over but health officials aren’t celebrating just yet. Daily deaths from the novel coronavirus in the US still remain around 500 people per day. The flu season typically adds to this. Officials have expressed some concern that this year’s flu season may be more severe than others. Australia and New Zealand have both experienced a heightened flu season this year and ours tends to mimic theirs. Because of this, getting the two vaccines at once could be a good idea. You certainly don’t want to contract COVID only to recover and fall sick with the flu.
There’s no problem getting both vaccines at the same time
Combination vaccines have been used in the US since the 1940s. These are vaccines that provide you with protection against multiple diseases at once. A common example of a combo vaccine includes the childhood DTap vaccine that provides you with protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis all in one shot. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is another example. Your body can react to multiple immune system stimuli at once, providing you with the ultimate protection.
If you’ve recently contracted COVID-19, many officials are now saying it’s best to wait about three months before getting your next COVID vaccine. This is because your illness will provide you with some immune protection and your body needs time to fully recover. If you’re not sure what to do, contact your doctor with your concerns.
It’s all about timing
For your best flu protection in North America, medical experts advise you get your flu shot sometime in October through the first half of November. You need about six months of protection and peak flu season can run all the way through March. Doctors are recommending everyone over 6 months of age get both a flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
Contact your local health department to find out about joint clinics being held in your area and provide yourself and your family with the best protection you can.
For more on the flu shot, click here.
photo credits: CROCOTHERY/Shutterstock.com
