Hospitalist Questions Hospitalist

Annual flu shot?

I am due for my annual flu shot I'm 65 years old and had both Moderna covid shots in May. Would I benefit from getting the booster or just the flu shot?

Male | 65 years old

6 Answers

Yes, you should get both flu shot and the booster. The booster will help you with Omicron.
Absolutely get both vaccines booster and high dose flu shot. Both vaccines are very effective at reducing risk of hospitalization and death!!
It has been at least 5 months since your Moderna vaccination. We know from studies that immunity begins to wane and by 5 months is quite low. I would recommend getting the flu shot now and then making an appointment for the Covid shot as soon as possible as well. They can also be both given at the same time if you so choose.
Both. Despite the advice to get them together, I prefer two weeks between doses. It's Flu season. Get the Flu vaccine first. At age 65, ask for the high dose or senior Flu vaccine.

Carl Lauter, MD, MACP, FAAAAI, FIDSA
I would get (and have gotten) both the flu and booster vaccines. Although Moderna is performing better than the other vaccines they all lose effectiveness over time. You can get both injections at the same time without increase in side effects or loss of efficacy.
I would recommend that you get the flu shot and the booster. You may elect to have them done separately. They, of course, cover different infectious entities and are thus both warranted.