Can you get both the shingles and flu shots at the same time? 

Can you get both the shingles and flu shots at the same time? 

Yes, you can get both the shingles and flu shot at the same time and it’s absolutely safe to do so (1). However, the two vaccines should not be administered in the same area of the body. 

Let’s say you’re getting a flu shot on your right arm, then don’t go for the same arm with the shingles vaccine and get it on the left arm instead. As far as possible interactions are concerned, there aren’t any. 

The administration is safe according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and various other research studies (1). 

Benefits of simultaneous shingles and flu vaccination

Getting both the shingles and flu shots at the same time can offer some benefits, including:

  • By getting both vaccines together, you save time and effort, as you won’t need to make separate visits to the healthcare provider.
  • The flu shot helps protect against seasonal influenza, while the shingles vaccine guards against the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, reducing the risk of shingles and its complications.
  • As you age, your risk of developing shingles increases, and flu can lead to serious health issues. Taking both vaccines helps safeguard your well-being.
  • Some individuals might not remember to get both vaccines separately, and combining them ensures they receive essential preventive care.
  • By staying protected against both the flu and shingles, you also contribute to community immunity, reducing the spread of these diseases.

Remember, before getting any vaccines together, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your individual health needs.

Final words

To sum up, you can get both shingles and flu shots at the same time. However, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before you decide to go for it, as all individuals are unique and may have different factors affecting their health. 

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References

1.-

Schwarz TF, Aggarwal N, Moeckesch B, Schenkenberger I, Claeys C, Douha M, Godeaux O, Grupping K, Heineman TC, Fauqued ML, Oostvogels L, Van den Steen P, Lal H. Immunogenicity and Safety of an Adjuvanted Herpes Zoster Subunit Vaccine Coadministered With Seasonal Influenza Vaccine in Adults Aged 50 Years or Older. J Infect Dis. 2017 Dec 12;216(11):1352-1361. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jix481. PMID: 29029224; PMCID: PMC5853904. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29029224/