Can I get the RSV and seasonal influenza vaccines at the same time?
Getting the RSV and seasonal influenza vaccines at the same time is a safe and effective option. Studies confirm that receiving both shots together does not lower the immune response to the flu vaccine. This approach can also help ensure you get both recommended vaccines during a single visit.
What the research says
A phase 3 study of adults aged 65 and older found that receiving the RSV vaccine and the high-dose flu vaccine together was noninferior to getting them separately. The immune response to the flu vaccine remained strong when given at the same time as the RSV shot 2. Safety data showed only mild or moderate side effects with no serious adverse events linked to giving both vaccines simultaneously 2.
The study measured specific immune markers for both viruses. Results showed that the geometric mean ratios for flu antibodies were well within the accepted safety margins when vaccines were coadministered 2. This means the body builds protection against the flu just as well when the shots are given together as when they are given weeks apart 2.
Health authorities generally recommend getting the flu vaccine every year. While specific guidelines for the RSV vaccine are still evolving, the evidence supports combining them to improve vaccination rates without compromising safety or efficacy 345.
What to ask your doctor
- Is it safe for me to receive the RSV and flu vaccines at the same visit?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Primary Care & Family Medicine and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.