With autumn here, the talk of flu shots and Covid-19 boosters is back. But this year, the guidance feels confusing. Should you get both? Can you get them at the same time? Which Covid-19 vaccine is the right one?

To clear things up, the California Department of Public Health released updated recommendations earlier this month. Similarly, Sutter Health Medical Director of Pharmacy and Infection Prevention Dr. Jeffrey Silvers also held a press conference to share what Californians need to know.

“There’s a lot of noise around vaccines this year, leaving many people, and especially parents, feeling unsure about how to move forward,” said Dr. Silvers, an infectious disease specialist and vice president of the California Immunization Coalition. “Our message is simple: both flu and Covid-19 vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.”

Key takeaways

Flu vaccine: Recommended for everyone six months and older, with very rare exceptions. People 65 and older are advised to receive a high-dose (or “enhanced”) formulation. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, also recognizes enhanced vaccines as an option for patients with solid organ transplants. “Sutter preferentially recommends the enhanced vaccine in this population,” said Dr. Silvers. This year’s vaccine contains three strains: two influenza A strains (H3N2 and H1N1) and one influenza B strain. Dr. Silvers recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October. See CDPH influenza guidance here.

Covid-19 booster: If you haven’t received a COVID-19 booster in the past three months, it’s advisable to get the updated vaccine now. The new formulation targets current variants and is recommended for anyone six months and older. Both the 2024–25 and upcoming 2025–26 formulations are valid, and according to CDPH, unexpired 2024–25 doses can still be used until the 2025–26 vaccine becomes widely available. See CDPH COVID-19 guidance here.

FluMist® option: The nasal spray version of the flu vaccine is available for healthy people ages 2–49. This needle-free alternative to the flu shot provides the same protection; however, it is not recommended for pregnant people, adults aged 50 and older, or people with certain medical conditions like asthma or other respiratory conditions.

“I’m very happy with what they’re doing with FluMist,” said Dr. Silvers. “It’s a live, weakened virus vaccine that’s given as a nasal spray, rather by injection like other flu vaccines. The virus is designed to grow only in the nose, so it doesn’t cause infection, or illness, but still triggers the body develop protective antibodies.” He adds that it can be obtained online.

Kids and teens: Children as young as six months can get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

Pregnancy: Flu and COVID-19 are safe and recommended during pregnancy. They help protect both mother and baby, especially in the first months of life.

Can you get both vaccines at once?

Yes.

According to Dr. Silvers, “It’s safe to receive the flu and Covid-19 vaccines at the same visit. It’s convenient and gives you strong protection heading into the season.” He also stresses that the Covid-19 vaccine’s safety record is backed by extensive real-world experience.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is very, very safe. We have hundreds of millions of doses’ worth of data, so we know a great deal about its safety, more than many other vaccines because of all the information we’ve collected. Does it work? Yes. It reduces the risk of hospitalization, severe disease and even death. Even if someone at high risk gets Covid-19 and has a mild case because they were vaccinated, that’s a win. Without the vaccine, that person could have faced severe illness or worse.”

The bottom line

“Our goal is to keep people healthy and prevent disease,” says Dr. Silvers. “While vaccines aren’t perfect, they can make illness milder and prevent death – and both the flu and Covid-19 vaccines do that. Flu shots remain an annual must, and getting both vaccines this season provides the best protection against severe illness this fall and winter.”

How to get vaccinated at Sutter Health

Flu and Covid-19 vaccines are available at Sutter Health clinics and care centers across Northern California. You can:

• Schedule an appointment through My Health Online.
• Call your doctor’s office or Sutter’s vaccine scheduling.

Vaccines are also available at local pharmacies.