Can the Updated Bivalent Booster be Given at the Same Time as the FLU Vaccine?
Yes! It is safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine, including the updated bivalent booster, at the same time as the flu vaccine or any other vaccine. It is important that everyone aged 6 months and older is up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines and receives an annual flu vaccine in the next few months.
Studies show health care providers are the most trusted source of vaccine information. According to the CDC, research also shows when a strong recommendation is given by a health care provider, a client is four to five times more likely to be vaccinated.
Encourage clients to receive both at the same visit. Taking a bundled, or presumptive, approach to vaccine recommendations may be helpful if you sense hesitancy. For example, you can tell your client which vaccines they need, rather than ask them what they want. Bundling also helps if there is hesitancy about a particular vaccine but not others. For example, "you are due for your Tdap, COVID-19 and annual flu vaccines." Bundling the COVID-19 vaccine with Tdap and flu, which are routine, may put your client at ease.