What is the difference between a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu shot?

One of the biggest differences between the COVID vaccine and the flu vaccine is that the COVID vaccine is effective against all the currently circulating strains of the virus. The flu shot, on the other hand, is designed to handle the strains of flu scientists determine will likely circulate each year.

Are the existing COVID-19 vaccines effective against new variants?

With each new variant, the COVID vaccines and their boosters remain our most powerful tool to fight all the strains of COVID-19 because the vaccines continue to significantly reduce the severity of the illness.

Should I get the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?

Even though both vaccines can be given at the same visit, people should follow the recommended schedule for either vaccine: If you haven’t gotten your currently recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccine, get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can, and ideally get a flu vaccine by the end of October.

What does the COVID-19 vaccine do in your body?

COVID-19 vaccines teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms, such as fever.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine effective against the Delta variant?

COVID-19 vaccines are effective against the Delta variant and other variants with widespread circulation in the United States. Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant.

Is Moderna COVID-19 vaccine effective against Delta variants?

Study shows moderately reduced efficacy of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine over time against Delta infection, which supports current booster dose recommendations.

Is fever one of the symptoms after the COVID-19 vaccination?

Sometimes after vaccination, the process of building immunity can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are signs that the body is building immunity.