The flu vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccines. You may have a lot of questions about them – and if they work together. Read on to learn what makes each vaccine different and why it’s important to get both vaccines this fall.

Flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines: What’s the difference?

While COVID-19 and seasonal flu have similar symptoms, they are not caused by the same virus. That means flu vaccines and the COVID-19 vaccines are designed to protect against the specific viruses that cause their respective illnesses.

So, the flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19, and the COVID-19 vaccine does not protect against the flu.

The flu is caused by influenza viruses, and flu vaccines have been around for decades. Each year, all flu vaccines are specifically made to protect against the strains that research says will be most common that year.

COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. The first COVID-19 vaccine was released in December 2020. As the coronavirus changed, scientists developed different formulas to protect against new variants. During the pandemic, many people received one or more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine (sometimes as “booster” shots). Since 2023, the COVID-19 vaccine has been offered as a yearly vaccine.

How is each vaccine designed?

There are a lot of types of vaccines, and they all work a little differently. What they have in common is that they all trigger an immune system response that produces the antibodies that will help your body fight off a virus or infection if you encounter it.

Types of flu vaccines

There are two types of flu vaccines: conventional shots and nasal spray flu vaccines, which are also called nasal mists.

Conventional flu shots are inactivated vaccines, meaning there’s no live virus in it. Nasal spray flu vaccines (FluMist) are live attenuated vaccines, which means they have a small amount of active virus that is weakened. Neither can give you the flu, despite the common myths about flu vaccines, and both provide greater immunity to influenza.

Types of COVID-19 vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines are all given as a shot, but there are some differences in how they are made. All approved vaccines are safe and effective, and reduce your chance of severe illness.

  • mRNA vaccine – This kind of vaccine includes genetic material with specific chemical instructions that ask your body’s cells to make a small, noninfectious piece of spike protein, which is located on the surface of the coronavirus. The spike protein is how COVID-19 enters the body and how your immune system recognizes it. The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are mRNA vaccines.
  • Protein subunit vaccine – Subunit vaccines include parts of the virus to stimulate your immune system response. The Novavax vaccine is a protein subunit vaccine that includes harmless S proteins from the virus. Subunit vaccines have been used for many years to prevent conditions such as hepatitis B, shingles and whooping cough.

Should I get a flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine this year?

Since the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine work against different viruses, choosing to get both provides greater protection during this respiratory season.

The number of doses for both vaccines may depend on your age, health and if you’ve had any doses of either vaccine in the past.

Get the flu vaccine before flu season hits

Annual flu vaccines are recommended for anyone 6 months old and older. That means even if you had a flu shot or nasal spray vaccine last year, you should also receive this year’s vaccine.

Flu shots are usually available in September. Here’s what you should know about the flu vaccine and who should get one:

  • Ages 6 months to 8 years old – If your child hasn’t had a flu shot before, two doses are needed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends kids get their first dose as soon as possible so that they can get their second dose by the end of October. If your child has received at least two flu shots in the past, they’ll need just one dose – which they should get by the end of October.
    • FluMist is a safe option for kids 2 years old and up who don’t have contraindications. This can be a good option if your little one is concerned about getting a shot.
  • Ages 8 to 64 years old – Aim to get vaccinated in September or October.
    • FluMist is also a safe option for people in this age group through 49 years old who don’t have contraindications.
  • Ages 65 and up – When older patients get the flu, they are more likely to get very sick. We recommend getting a flu shot that is specially formulated for patients aged 65 and older by the end of October or as soon as you can.
  • Pregnant women – Getting a flu shot when you’re pregnant is important. It can even keep your newborn baby healthier. If you are in your third trimester of pregnancy, get the flu shot as early as possible. Otherwise, plan to get your flu shot by the end of October.
  • People with egg allergies – People with egg allergies can receive any influenza vaccine formulation.

Get an updated COVID-19 vaccine once it’s available

Everyone 6 months of age and older is eligible to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine, based on their values and preferences. You shouldn’t get the vaccine if you have certain medical contraindications, such as an allergy to one or more of the vaccine ingredients.

If you choose to get vaccinated, get an updated COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can. Doing so gives the best protection. Vaccines are usually available in the fall season. Once available, you can get the vaccine at a local pharmacy or clinic, though availability may vary. Please note, however, that pharmacies in Minnesota can’t vaccinate children under 3 years old.

Can you receive a COVID-19 and flu vaccine at the same time?

Yes. There’s no waiting period between receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine or any other vaccines.

Can you get both vaccines in the same arm?

Yes, it’s possible to get a COVID-19 and flu vaccine in the same arm. However, your provider may prefer to administer the vaccines in separate arms if possible.

Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine or the flu vaccine first?

The order in which you receive either of the vaccines doesn’t matter. But you’ll get the most protection from the vaccines if you get the flu shot by the end of October and an updated COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can.

Protect yourself and your loved ones by choosing to get vaccinated

The seasonal flu and COVID-19 are both highly contagious respiratory illnesses that can lead to serious complications. Choosing to get vaccinated is one of the best ways to help keep you and your loved ones protected during respiratory season.