When should I get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19?

Last updated Nov. 19, 2021

Flu season is upon us once again, and for a second time in as many years it’s occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic. But the 2021 flu season is different from last year’s, in several significant ways.

For one thing, the COVID-19 pandemic is now being driven by the delta variant, which is much more transmissible than previous variants. In-person schooling is also back in session for millions of students. And, perhaps most importantly, COVID-19 vaccines are now available for those ages 5 and up, immunocompromised patients are now eligible for a third dose of the two mRNA vaccines — and fully vaccinated adults are eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot.

So, how does this affect when and whether you should get a flu shot? We asked Elizabeth Frenzel, M.D., who manages MD Anderson’s employee flu vaccination program. Here is her advice.

If you haven’t gotten a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, don’t wait

Vaccinations are all about reducing risk: both the risk of contracting a particular disease, and the risk of becoming severely ill or dying from it, should you develop a breakthrough infection. All three COVID-19 vaccines have proven highly effective at reducing those risks — even against the delta variant. That’s why it’s more critical than ever to protect yourself and your loved ones by getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

“People are out and about more now than they were at this time last year,” Frenzel notes. “And masking and social distancing may not be as universally practiced as before. We’ve already seen a spike in RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) cases. And we’re expecting a robust flu season this year, too. So, don’t wait any longer. The best time to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is now. And get your flu shot as soon as it becomes available.”

There’s no need to stagger your vaccinations

The CDC says it’s OK for everyone age 5 and older to receive a COVID-19 vaccine alongside other vaccines. So, there’s no need to space them out.

That means whether you’re getting your first, second or third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (if eligible) or a booster shot, you can get it on the same day as other vaccines, such as flu shots. Some places are even offering both appointments at the same time.

Why reducing your risk is more important than ever

With so many hospitals filling up with unvaccinated COVID-19 patients, that can mean long waits for urgent care of any kind.

“It’s not just about COVID-19 anymore,” says Frenzel. “Right now, it’s about reducing the risk of needing urgent care for any other reason as well, whether that’s a broken arm, a heart attack or stroke, a kidney stone, or pneumonia. And vaccination works. That’s why we strongly encourage anyone who can get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 to do so as quickly as possible. And when it’s your turn to get a third dose or booster of the COVID-19 vaccines, don’t put it off. Vaccination can protect you from severe illness and keep you out of the hospital, but it also protects those around you. It benefits everyone.”

Schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at MD Anderson. Current patients who are eligible for a third COVID-19 vaccine dose can self-schedule a vaccination appointment through MyChart; immunocompromised members of the general public can schedule a third COVID-19 dose at MD Anderson through our scheduling portal.

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