If you’ve received a notice inviting you to get both a covid booster and a flu jab, you might be worried about whether it’s safe to get them at the same time or if they will still be effective. While it’s not required to get both vaccines at the same time, doing so will give you protection against two potentially serious illnesses.
Benefits of Getting Both Jabs
Covid and the flu are a double threat during the colder months. They are viruses that cause inflammatory responses throughout the body and they share some similar symptoms: coughing, fever, and tiredness to name a few. Getting the flu or covid on their own can be miserable enough, but getting both at the same time can lead to serious complications- even in otherwise healthy people.
A University of Edinburgh study showed that people who have covid and the flu at the same time experienced more intense symptoms and were more likely to need hospitalization and/or be put on a ventilator. They were also twice as likely to die from the viruses.
It’s completely safe to get the vaccines simultaneously and they won’t cancel each other out or lose efficacy when given together. Many healthcare workers already receive their yearly jabs this way.
Another added benefit to getting the jabs at the same time is that you’ll only have to make one appointment/trip.
Are There Side Effects to Getting the Vaccines Together?
If you do get both jabs together, you’ll receive one in each arm. It takes around two weeks for the vaccines to take hold in your body to provide maximum protection. While some people experience mild side effects after getting one or both vaccines, getting them together does not increase the likelihood or severity of side effects.
Not everyone who is vaccinated will experience side effects. If you do have any, they will generally be mild and should only last a day or two. Any side effects will be less severe than the symptoms of flu or covid if you aren’t vaccinated.
Potential Covid Booster Side Effects
- Soreness at the injection site
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Mild fever
- Chills
Potential Flu Jab Side Effects
- Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Mild fever
- Nausea
- Headache
- Chills
- General feeling of being unwell
Where Can I Get the Flu Jab?
Those looking for a fast and convenient private vaccination service in Chipping Campden and Kineton can book an appointment with Pharmacy to My Door. We are a comprehensive community pharmacy serving the healthcare needs of our local residents.
In the comfort of one of our consultation rooms, a highly trained Pharmacy to My Door Pharmacist will provide you with peace of mind with flu vaccination services in Shipston on Stour and Brailes. Book your appointment online or give us a call to discuss flu vaccination service in Moreton in Marsh.
