Health officials are advising people to get the latest COVID vaccine as well as the flu shot this fall.
Jessica Munroe with the Minnesota Department of Health says it's fine to get both at the same time.
"Absolutely, one trip, and you can get both of those taken care of," Munroe says.
She says they recommend adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and children 6 months to 2-years-old to get the latest booster.
"The vaccines are just starting to show up in the provider offices and pharmacies, so it may be a few more weeks before we see widespread access," Munroe adds. "But certainly getting vaccinated can minimize the days that kids have to be out of school."
And although cases are nothing like during the pandemic, COVID is still an issue.
"We continue to see cases throughout the year," Munroe warns. "Cases are lower right now, but now is the time to be vaccinated."
As for anyone worried about side effects, she says the risks outweigh those.
"Certainly, there can be side effects like with any vaccine," Munroe explained. "It's that, if you're feeling kind of crummy after it, that tells you your immune system is working, and it's giving you protection."
Just this past week, leading U.S. medical groups began urging people to get updated flu and COVID-19 vaccinations this fall, banding together last Wednesday to issue shot guidelines — and highlight the science behind them — saying they hope to ease confusion caused by the Trump administration's changing advice.
Flu vaccinations are beginning and COVID-19 shots are starting to arrive after the Food and Drug Administration approved this year’s updated versions last week. Winter also brings another vaccine-preventable risk called RSV. Exactly who should get one or all of these vaccines, and when?
That advice usually comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with help from its independent advisers. But despite no new scientific evidence, Trump health officials last year began pulling back on some longstanding recommendations for fall virus protection and routine children's vaccinations. And that advisory panel, which influences state and insurance vaccine policies, is caught in a court battle. The CDC didn't respond to questions about any new fall guidance but suggested on its website that doctors follow last year's flu recommendations.
