Pharmacist: Get flu, COVID-19 vaccines at the same time for convenience

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ.)

A Columbia pharmacist says it's a good idea to get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time.

Tanya Albert, a D&H pharmacist with more than 20 years of experience, told ABC 17 News on Friday that the convenience is a good reason to get both of the shots at the same time. And the new COVID-19 bivalent booster that gives extra protection against omicron subvariants has the same side effects as the first COVID-19 vaccines, she said.

"Most people are feeling a little tired, could have some aches or chills. Maybe a low-grade fever. You know some people aren't experiencing any and if they do experience any of them it usually doesn't last more than 24 hours," Alberty said.

Ed Meadows of Columbia says he can't remember the last time he went through a winter without a flu vaccine. 

"I get a flu shot every year I've gotten them for as long as I can remember and it normally works for me," Meadows said.

Alberty said with cooler weather bringing in fall, the pharmacy is filling more appointments for flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

The state health department reported 781 hospitalized COVID-19 patients as of Wednesday. That level has been dropping over the past month and is well below the pandemic peaks. Boone and Cole counties are in the medium COVID-19 community levels, according to Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services.

Alberty says when community COVID-19 levels were high in the community the demand for testing was between 80 to 100 people a day, but that number has dropped significantly. 

"We're definitely doing like 40 to 50 a day right now and those appointments are definitely booking up," said Alberty.

Meadows says he's going to at least get his flu shot this year especially since he spends a lot of his time indoors. 

"I spend a lot of time indoors with a lot of people. And you know who's gotten it and who hasn't so the shot has never really bothered me ... so I don't mind taking it," said Meadows.

For a list of locations to get a flu vaccine click here. Click here for a list of locations offering the new bivalent COVID-19 vaccine.