We’re already several days into fall, which means it’s time for gratuitous pumpkin spice-flavored products and, of course, your flu shot.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, now is the time to get inoculated against influenza viruses. Even though for the last year and a half most people have been doing their best to avoid getting COVID-19, it’s also important to avoid the flu, officials say, which ticks up in the fall and winter and can also prove fatal.
But every year there’s an effective vaccine to prevent the flu. You just need to go out and get it. At a pharmacy, at a clinic, at your doctor’s office. Wherever flu vaccines are given and preferably before October is over.
But now that COVID-19 vaccine boosters and third shots have been approved for some people in the U.S., you may be wondering if it’s OK to get the flu shot and your COVID booster in the same visit.
“Yes!” said Tim Heider, a spokesperson for the Oregon Health Authority. “People can get flu shots and covid shots at the same time and in the same place!”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agree, noting it is now perfectly fine to get your COVID vaccine, booster or first shot or second shot, at the same time as you receive other vaccines.
Are you eligible for a booster? The CDC’s new guidance allows third doses of the Pfizer vaccine for people 65 and older, people living in long-term care settings and those 50 to 64 with underlying conditions.
Several other groups of people, including those in high-risk occupational and institutional settings, are also eligible for booster shots.
And if you are eligible, it’s as simple as showing up to a place that offers vaccines and asking for your shots. Oregonians can find out where to get theirs at getvaccinated.oregon.gov.
— Lizzy Acker
503-221-8052, lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker