It's that time of year again. Time to get your flu shot, that is.

The timing of flu season varies, but it typically starts in the fall, which is why experts recommend getting your annual flu vaccine by the end of October if possible.

And with the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines also now available, you might be wondering if it's safe to get both shots in the same visit.

Yes, you can get your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time

According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccines can be administered without regard to timing of other vaccines, including your annual flu shot. The two can be administered in the same or different arms.

Several studies demonstrate the safety of getting both shots at the same time, though some studies show that doing so slightly increases the chance of experiencing side effects like fatigue, headache and muscle cramps. These reactions are typically mild and resolve quickly.

Your health care provider might particularly encourage being immunized against both viruses in the same visit if you're unlikely to make a second trip.

What if I recently had COVID-19?

It's important to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine even if you were recently sick — though you may consider postponing your updated dose by three months. It's not, however, recommended to delay vaccination against influenza this long. Experts advise getting your flu shot by the end of October.

If you're currently recovering from COVID-19, stay home and avoid contact with other people until you meet the CDC's recommended criteria for preventing the spread of illness. At that point, it is safe to get both your COVID-19 and flu shot at the same time.

Whatever you do, don't brush off getting either shot

Getting your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time is certainly convenient. And, now, we know it's also safe. But, if you can't make it work, don't use it as a reason to brush off getting either shot.

COVID-19 has taken more than 1 million lives in the U.S. alone and the CDC estimates that the 2023-2024 U.S. flu season resulted in 16+ million medical visits, 390,000+ hospitalizations and at least 25,000 deaths.

Getting vaccinated against both COVID-19 and influenza are two important ways to protect yourself, as well as those who are most vulnerable, as we gear up for another respiratory virus season.