We’re about 20 days off from the start of the crazy times… Time to get our brains ready for the seasonal vaccine season!
In this Article:
- Get COVID first, then flu
- You CAN get COVID and flu together
- The COVID vaccine is new for the fall
- RSV is still “one and done”
1. Get COVID first, then flu.
COVID-19 and flu vaccine timing recommendations differs ever-so-slightly.
COVID-19 starts to surge pretty quickly after Labor Day. Being up-to-date is important, and getting the new vaccine in early to mid-September is the best way to protect yourself from the fall peaks.
October is the ideal time to get a flu shot.
Some individuals will have unique cases where it makes sense to get it on a different schedule, but for most of us we can stick to that plan.
2. You CAN get COVID and flu together.
Some people wind up getting COVID-19 and flu around the same time, even if it’s not the “perfect” way to do it. That’s OK, too!
You CAN take both shots together. But should you?
Sure! It’s safe. Both vaccines are still very effective when given this way. Your body can handle it easily; it’s not “too much.” It’s convenient. It’s probably better to have a “bum” arm and some side effects once a season instead of twice.
The only variable is you. When we give both together, we do expect side effects to be slightly worse — but we often hear that there was no noticeable increase. I always say, “It’s not 1+1=5, but 1+1=1.5”.
If you’ve never done them together before and want to, we encourage it. If you have stronger side effects than taking them alone and it isn’t for you, just don’t take them together in the future!
3. The COVID vaccine is new for the fall.
The updated COVID-19 vaccine, based on the current strains, releases at the end of August/ early September.
This year’s EXTRA updated COVID-19 vaccine employs a new technology.
mNEXSPIKE is Moderna’s new COVID vaccine for patients 65+ (or patients 12-64 with high risk of severe COVID) that is lower dose, slightly more effective, and gives longer protection.
We’re going to be recommending it as the first line of defense for eligible patients!
Learn more: New Covid vaccine In 2025
4. RSV is still “one and done.”
RSV is a respiratory virus that can be very dangerous for young kids and elderly folk, and has been spreading like wildfire since the pandemic. The new vaccines introduced a couple years back include: Arexvy, Abrysvo, and mRESVIA.
Patients over 70 (or 50-69 with high risk of severe RSV) should definitely get one.
Anyone already vaccinated for RSV does not need additional RSV boosters.
We’re still awaiting data on recommended frequency for these vaccines. Is it a dose every 3, 5, or 7 years? We’ll see!
General Rules To Remember About Vaccines:
There is NO RUSH. It’s important to get your vaccinations done “on time” but not OMG, MY FACE IS MELTING OFF urgent.
These aren’t force fields, and they don’t need to be. Yes, you can still get COVID-19 or flu after being vaccinated. We’d be thrilled if you didn’t get sick, but what we want from vaccines is to not get so sick that you need to be hospitalized.
We’ll probably have some sort of appointment requirement for the first couple weeks of COVID-19 vaccine release, as it becomes a very busy time.
And finally:
We’ve got your back. We’ll be stocked up and staffed to the brim to get vaccines in arms easier, faster, more conveniently, and more professionally than anyone else in the region.
Neal Smoller, PharmD
Neal is the founder and holistic pharmacist of Village Apothecary in Woodstock, NY. Established in 2010, the independent pharmacy offers a number of modern services like prescription syncing, vaccines, and home delivery, while maintaining an emphasis on natural products and wellness.
Faced with a deeply flawed supplement industry that puts company sales over customer safety and results, Neal established Woodstock Vitamins to meet his high standards for ingredient quality, dosage, ethical sourcing, and bioavailability.
