Combining Senior Flu Shot and Covid Booster

‘Tis the holiday season. And this year, that means coordinating and scheduling a flu shot, along with a covid vaccine or booster shot.

If you, or your elderly parents, are planning to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or booster along with a senior flu shot, here’s what you need to know:

— After at least six months of receiving the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, you are eligible for a booster shot.
— Similarly, if you received Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines, you are currently eligible for a booster shot after 4-6 months. Please consult with your pharmacist.
— The Pfizer booster shot has been authorized for people 65 and older and for high-risk individuals.
— Getting the senior flu shot will not offer protection against COVID-19 and vice versa.
— COVID-19 vaccines may be administered with flu vaccines, although it is still unknown whether vaccine side effects increase with co-administration. (Personally, I have very minimal (if any) side effects from flu shot. However, I do have day long reaction to covid booster.)

You should first consult your elderly parents‘ doctor to figure out what could work best for them.

Several locations offer senior flu shots, including doctor’s offices, local health departments, and pharmacies. I have found the pharmacy nearby to be very convenient.

You may be worried about taking your senior relative to get a flu shot this year if COVID-19 is still spreading in your community. Take normal precautions, most importantly, wear your facemask. The CDC says it’s especially important for seniors and others who are at increased risk for flu complications to get vaccinated.

There are certain steps your elders can take to stay safe when going to get the flu shot:

— Call ahead and ask the doctor or pharmacist if they’re following the CDC’s pandemic guidance.
— Wear a mask to the vaccine appointment.
— If your elder has a fever, hold off on vaccinating them until they’re feeling better.
— Wash hands frequently using soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

JD Miller

About JD Miller

John D. Miller is the founder/owner of Home Care Partners, LLC, a Massachusetts business providing private duty, personalized in-home assistance and companion care services to those needing help in daily activities and household functions. Phone: (781) 378-2164 Email: [email protected] Website: https://homecarepartnersma.com
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