"Do I have to get a flu shot and COVID-19 vaccinated?" Yes — both viruses can knock you off your feet, and it has been proven that you can contract both at the same time. As we approach the 2021/2022 flu season, some may be eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot, while others may be getting their COVID-19 vaccine for the first time. The good news is that the CDC states it's okay to get both at the same time. AFC Urgent Care Malden now offers the highly effective quadrivalent flu shot as well as the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
Two new vaccines were licensed for use during the 2021–2022 flu season. To better protect the elderly, there is now a quadrivalent high-dose vaccine that replaces the former trivalent dose. The second is a quadrivalent adjuvanted vaccine for seniors that includes an additional influenza B component.
I heard you can get the flu from getting vaccinated. True?
Myth buster! You cannot contract the flu from a flu shot. Flu vaccines given with a needle are made with either inactivated (killed) viruses or a single protein from the flu virus. The nasal spray vaccine contains live viruses that are attenuated (weakened) so they will not cause illness. The vaccine will, however, encourage your body to begin creating antibodies to fight a possible influenza infection.
Fun flu fact! Getting the flu shot not only protects you against the flu — it also effectively boosts your immune system, decreasing your chance of getting sick in any form this season.
Can a flu shot protect me against COVID-19?
No. A flu shot protects against this year's flu strains only — these are two separate viruses. This is why you need both a flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine. If you haven't been vaccinated for COVID-19 yet, the CDC states that you can get both at the same time.
AFC Urgent Care in Malden makes it easy by offering the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine as well as the quadrivalent flu vaccine.
What happens if I catch COVID-19 and the flu?
Research has shown over the past 18 months that it is possible to get more than one respiratory infection while having COVID-19. That's why we highly suggest getting vaccinated for the flu — it helps rule out the flu when trying to diagnose COVID-19. If you get both, diagnosis and treatment become significantly more complicated.
Our walk-in urgent care center can help test you for both COVID-19 and flu. We offer standard PCR tests and rapid COVID-19 tests for people in Malden, MA.
Don't wait — get vaccinated today!
AFC Urgent Care Malden urges all eligible individuals to get vaccinated for both the flu and COVID-19. You can walk in for a flu shot or any of our urgent care services with no appointment needed at 219 Centre Street, Malden, MA.
Learn more about our Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine and what to expect. Our staff is fully equipped with PPE, and we keep our facility clean and sanitized. AFC Malden also offers COVID-19 testing 7 days a week with same-day results via our rapid testing services.
