Is it time for your flu shot and your updated COVID-19 vaccine?CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for nearly everyone age 6 months and older. For the 2026–2027 season, CDC also recommends an updated COVID-19 vaccine for all adults age 18 and older, while recommendations for children depend on age, immune status, and shared clinical decision-making.
For the 2026–2027 season, it recommends a COVID-19 vaccine for all adults. Children and teens follow slightly different rules. Your age, health, and past vaccinations all shape the details. Guidance has changed in recent years, so it helps to know what is current.
Here is a clear look at who should get each vaccine, when to get it, and what to discuss with your provider first.
Who Should Get a Flu Vaccine?
Almost everyone. The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions for people who cannot safely receive it.
It matters most for people at higher risk of serious complications, such as older adults, young children, pregnant people, and those with chronic health conditions.
- Adults 65 and older preferentially recommended a high-dose, recombinant, or adjuvanted vaccine when one is available.
- Children ages 6 months through 8 years need one or two doses, depending on their vaccine history.
- Children 9 and older need one dose.
- Babies under 6 months are too young to be vaccinated, so the people around them should be.
- People with an egg allergy may receive any age-appropriate flu vaccine.
- Pregnant people should get the flu shot rather than the nasal spray.
When Is the Best Time for a Flu Shot?
Ideally in September or October. Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that the flu vaccine takes about two weeks to build protection, and that flu season tends to peak between December and February. Still, it is never too late.
A shot later in the season can still help, and vaccination continues for as long as flu viruses are circulating. If you have not had yours yet, now is a good time to schedule it.
Who Should Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccines are updated each year, and the 2026–2027 versions are the ones to use. Under current CDC guidance:
- All adults 18 and older: a 2026–2027 vaccine is recommended.
- Children and teens 6 months through 17 with a moderately or severely weakened immune system: a vaccine is recommended.
- All other children and teens 6 months through 17: the decision is made through a conversation between the parent and a healthcare professional.
The vaccine is especially important for adults 65 and older, people with weakened immune systems, people who are pregnant, and residents of long-term care.
One detail is worth knowing. FDA-approved use varies by vaccine and age group. The CDC notes that vaccination of people under 65 who do not have a qualifying high-risk condition is off-label.
That is why a discussion with your provider is useful.
When Should You Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
There is no single deadline. Getting the updated vaccine in the fall puts protection in place before respiratory viruses spread more widely.
The recommended number of doses depends on age, vaccination history, and immune status. People with moderately or severely weakened immune systems follow a modified schedule.
No vaccine guarantees that you will never catch COVID-19. The goal is to lower your risk of severe illness.
Can You Get Both Vaccines at the Same Visit?
Yes. Most people can safely get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines during the same visit. Side effects are usually temporary, such as a sore arm, tiredness, headache, or muscle aches. They are generally similar whether the shots are given together or apart.
Tell your provider first if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine or if you are moderately or severely ill on the day of your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the flu vaccine give me the flu?
No. Flu shots cannot cause the flu. You may feel sore or tired for a short time afterward.
Do I need a flu shot every year?
Yes. Protection can fade over time, and flu vaccines are updated to match the viruses expected each season. For 2026–2027, all three virus components were updated, so last year’s shot does not replace this year’s.
How long does the flu vaccine take to work?
About two weeks. That is one reason to vaccinate before flu season picks up.
Should my child get the COVID-19 vaccine?
It depends on your child’s age and health. The CDC recommends it for children with moderately or severely weakened immune systems and leaves the decision to parents and clinicians for other children. The American Academy of Pediatrics publishes its own recommendations, so discussing with your child’s pediatrician is a good next step.
What should pregnant people know about these vaccines?
Pregnant people should get a flu shot, not the nasal spray. COVID-19 vaccination also matters for people who are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Review your options with your provider.
Is this year’s COVID-19 vaccine different from last year’s?
Yes. COVID-19 vaccines are updated each year to target the strains most relevant at the time. The 2026–2027 formulas are based on the XFG strain, and the 2025–2026 vaccines should not be used once the new ones are available.
Protecting Yourself This Season
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are two of the most practical steps you can take before the colder months. The right choice depends on your age, general health, and a discussion with a provider you trust. Guidance can change, so it is worth confirming the latest recommendations each season.
At Vantage Medical Associates, P.C., we provide flu vaccinations as part of our preventive care services, alongside primary care and internal medicine.
If you have questions about COVID-19 vaccination, we encourage you to discuss your medical history, individual risk factors, and current recommendations with our experts to better understand your options.