You Can Get a COVID-19 Booster and a Flu Shot At Once—Plus Other Booster Qs

About Brookdale Senior Living

Updated Oct. 25, 2021

You’ve probably heard a lot of discussion in the news about a booster shot for the COVID-19 vaccine. The information is changing rapidly, but for now, here are some things you should know about the booster shot and its role in helping to prevent serious illness from COVID-19.

Who should or may get the COVID-19 booster shot?

The CDC recommends the Pfizer/BioTech and Moderna boosters for people who received a vaccine series more than six months ago and who meet the following criteria:

CDC says these individuals should get the booster shot:

Adults over the age of 65
Adults over the age of 18 who live in long-term care settings
Adults age 50-64 with underlying medical conditions

CDC says these individuals may get the booster shot:

Adults age 18-49 with underlying medical conditions
Adults over the age of 18 who work in high-risk settings (i.e. first responders, healthcare providers, congregate care staff, teachers and front-line essential workers)
Adults over the age of 18 who live in high-risk settings (i.e. correctional facilities, homeless shelters)

The CDC also recommends a booster shot for adults over 18 who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine two or more months ago.

Can you “mix and match” shots?

Yes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the emergency use authorizations for booster doses to allow you to receive a booster shot for a different type of vaccine than you originally received.

Why is a booster shot needed?

While the COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing severe illness and hospitalization, protection seems to be waning against mild and moderate cases of the disease. For more vulnerable populations, a booster shot is thought to enhance protection and further prevent complications from COVID.

Can you get a flu shot at the same time you get a COVID-19 booster shot?

Yes. In the early days of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution, people were dissuaded from receiving any other vaccine at the same time. But now after months of real-world data, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) says that the COVID-19 vaccine can be administered at the same time as other vaccines. If you’re eligible for a booster shot during the time it’s recommended to get a flu shot (during September and October for the majority of adults), it’s safe (and convenient!) to get both at the same appointment.

Is Brookdale making booster shots available to its residents?

Yes. We are conducting onsite clinics to help ensure all Brookdale residents are offered the booster shot.

“Evidence shows that vaccines are the best, proven protection in our arsenal to help fight COVID-19,” said Kim Elliott, RN, SVP and Chief Nursing Officer of Brookdale Senior Living. “That’s why as soon as we received the green light for booster shots, we began putting our plans into action and getting booster shots where they needed to go.”

To stay up-to-date on COVID-19 prevention and treatment, make sure to visit the CDC’s COVID-19 site regularly.

^{The above is shared for informational purposes only. We are not infectious disease experts and you should consult with trusted, independent, reputable sources before acting on any content on this website, especially if you have a medical condition or are at increased risk for contracting COVID-19. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or health advice. Never disregard professional medical or health advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on our site.}

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