We are getting lots of questions about the timing of COVID booster shots and flu vaccines-- let's discuss! It's perfectly safe to get both vaccines at the same time. Doing so will not impact the protection your body develops against either COVID-19 or influenza. Getting both shots at the same time is more convenient for folks who can't make multiple appointments for a variety of reasons (e.g., can't get time off of work, childcare, etc)-- so it's easier to get them both done in a single visit. What about if you recently recovered from COVID-19? If you’ve had a recent infection, it’s reasonable to wait a few months since it's unlikely that you'll be reinfected in such a short timeframe. Some folks who know they are more prone to reactogenicity (or side effects) after getting a vaccine may choose to space them out-- but you don't need to wait more than a few days in between shots. Remember, COVID-19 is still circulating and flu season is right around the corner. In fact, data from the Southern Hemisphere show that this year's flu season is a doozy-- and it started earlier than usual. The Australian flu season usually spans from May to September, but this year the number of flu cases from mid-April exceeded the 5-year average. As such, US officials are bracing for an early flu season and are recommending that people get vaccinated by the end of October. (Protection usually lasts for about 4-6 months so it's a balance of trying to get protected now but ensuring that you're protected throughout the flu season.) What about a combo flu + COVID-19 shot? It's very possible that one will be developed in the near future (maybe even for next year!), but we aren't there yet.