Your Health Q&A: Do I need to wait between getting flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine?

No, there is no need to wait between the two vaccines. You can even get both your COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine on the same day, as long as they aren’t done in the same muscle.

Getting vaccinated for both is extremely important. Flu season began this month, and COVID-19 is still circulating in Southwest Florida.

Influenza – commonly called the flu – is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Some people who get a flu vaccine may still get sick, but flu vaccination has been shown in several studies to reduce the severity of illness.

More Health Q&As: Can I get medical care from the comfort of home?

And:Your Health Q&A: When should I get a flu shot?

If you haven’t yet gotten your COVID-19 vaccine, I encourage you to do that also, as soon as possible. While the Delta surge is decreasing in our community, the threat of COVID-19 still exists, and getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent catching the deadly virus.

The COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States continue to be remarkably effective in reducing the risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death.

COVID-19 vaccinations are available at Lee Health’s Community Vaccination Clinic, which is located inside Gulf Coast Medical Center. It’s open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You can make an appointment by visiting www.leehealth.org. You can visit a Lee Health provider to receive your flu vaccination.

Dr. Mary Beth Saunders is System Medical Director of Epidemiology and Infection Prevention with Lee Health.