Who Should Get the New COVID Shot — and Whether It's Safe to Get a Flu Shot at the Same Time

Experts are urging people to stay on top of their vaccines as the fall season approaches

As the fall and winter seasons approach, many people are starting to think about their seasonal vaccinations. When it comes to COVID, the CDC is now recommending everyone 6 months and older receive an updated COVID shot.

Updated COVID vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna will be available later this week, the agency announced Tuesday.

"We have more tools than ever to prevent the worst outcomes from COVID-19," CDC director Dr. Mandy Cohen said in a statement.

The CDC's new recommendations come shortly after the FDA approved the updated COVID vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna on Monday. The new shots are reportedly able to fight against the prevailing Omicron XBB variants. Anyone over 6 months can get the shot, whether they have had prior shots or boosters.

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While the importance of receiving COVID booster shots is being stressed ahead of the fall and winter seasons, it is recommended that people stay up-to-date on their flu shot as well. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get the flu shot, typically in September or October.

The agency also states that it is safe to receive the flu and COVID vaccines at the same time. Dr. Mark Mulligan, director of NYU Langone Vaccine Center, told Today that he actually recommends getting both vaccines together.

"People are busy and it's efficient, so having the option of a 'twofer' is a great thing," he told the outlet.

Additionally, experts say the body’s immune response may be stronger if the COVID shot is given in the same arm as the last COVID shot, according to a new study.

The study — published August 11 in the eBioMedicine journal — analyzed data from 303 people who received COVID booster shots. Researchers found that after two weeks, “killer T cells” were present in 67% of people who had their injections in the same arm and 43% in people who had their injections in different arms.

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