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An annual flu shot is the best way to help protect against flu. During the pandemic time, it also means helping to keep you and your loved ones out of the medical settings, and helping to protect you from showing symptoms that likely need to take isolation precautions for COVID-19. Thus, prepare early this year, and register in advance to get your flu vaccine.

Last year, getting the flu vaccine wasn’t easy due to the COVID outbreak. This year, with the new variants of the coronavirus and possible continuation of the pandemic, it’s even more important to get the protection of the flu shots during the “respiratory virus” season.

But can you get the flu vaccine and the covid vaccine at the same time? When should you get the flu shot? We have SinoUnited Health to answer these common questions related to flu shots.

Who should get a flu vaccine?

Flu vaccine is recommended to all people 6 months and older who do not have a contraindication to influenza vaccination. Pregnant women, infants and young children, the elderly, patients with chronic diseases, and healthcare providers are advised to prioritize getting flu shots.

When is the best time to get a flu vaccine?

To get the best protection against the flu, it is recommended to get vaccinated between September and October. Getting vaccinated before the end of October will best prepare your body for the coming flu season.

Can I get the flu vaccine and covid vaccines at the same time?

NO, AT LEAST 14 DAYS APART.

Can the flu vaccine be given with other vaccines at the same time?

Weighing up risks and benefits, the inactivated influenza vaccine, other inactivated vaccines, and live attenuated vaccines (such as pneumococcal vaccine, live attenuated herpes zoster vaccine, varicella vaccine, mumps vaccine, and DTP vaccine) can be administered at the same time (but at different sites) according to the “Chinese Technical Guidelines for Influenza Vaccine Vaccination 2020-2021”.

However, after receiving live attenuated influenza vaccine, there must be a minimum interval of 28 days before receiving another live attenuated vaccine. People over the age of 65 can get the influenza and pneumococcal vaccines at the same time.

I had my flu vaccine quite late last year. Since it’s less than a year, can I still get the shot?

Antibodies that provide protection usually develop in the body 2-4 weeks after the vaccination and antibody titer begins to decrease after 6-8 months. The time and duration of the annual peak flu activity vary from one place to another in China. To ensure that you have protection before the high season, it is recommended that vaccination be arranged as soon as the vaccine becomes available, preferably by the end of October.