Should You Get the New COVID-19 Vaccine? Things to Consider

Should you get the new COVID-19 vaccine? You and your doctor should discuss if it's right for you.

With the COVID-19 Variant BA.2.86 and others now in circulation, you may be wondering if it’s the right time to get the new COVID-19 vaccine. The answer really comes down to this: it depends.

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says the latest variant does not appear to be rapidly increasing or driving increases in hospitalizations in the US. The CDC will be monitoring it, and will provide updates to the public when additional information becomes available.

Having said that, the CDC still recommends that most individuals get the new COVID-19 vaccine as well as the new flu shot. Their prediction is that the numbers will spike this winter and getting the vaccines sooner vs. later will help minimize your chance of becoming ill.

But that doesn’t really answer the question as to whether you should roll up your sleeve or not right now for the new COVID-19 vaccine, because in the end, you are trying to make the decision as to what you feel is best for you and your family.

As you’ve most likely already heard, many (but not all) health experts are advising that certain populations especially will benefit from getting the vaccines. The updated vaccines (flu and COVID) are now available at most places across the country.

Currently, the new COVID-19 vaccine is being produced in versions by Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech for individuals 6 months of age and older. Reports indicate they should work well against currently circulating variants.

Older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk of getting sick, so if you are unsure whether you and/or members of your family should get the new COVID-19 vaccine, check with your doctor.

(PLEASE NOTE: I am in no way a medical professional and don’t provide any medical advice about what is a personal decision.)

If You Want the Vaccines, It’s A Good Time to Go

With the fall being the traditional time for illnesses to ramp up, in part due to cooler weather and more people staying indoors, the timing of being able to get a flu shot and the new COVID-19 vaccine at the same time and ahead of anticipated spikes in illnesses can be convenient. Getting both together is commonly called “coadministration” and is considered a common clinical practice.

In fact, children often receive multiple shots at the same time.

Both vaccines can be administered in the same arm (at least an inch apart), although most patients elect to get them in different arms. But, it’s your choice.

The downsides are small from receiving both at once, with statistics showing only a slight increase in a likelihood of experiencing any side effects from taking the new COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot together. The benefit is convenience and only having to visit the doctor or pharmacy once vs. twice.

Should you get the new COVID-19 vaccine along with the latest flu shot, and if so, should you get them at the same time?

While it’s a personal decision and up to you and your doctor to decide, there is a lot of inaccurate information and myths being circulated about the new COVID-19 vaccine and about coronavirus in general. Make sure you do your homework and base your decision, along with professional medical advice, about whether to vaccinate on facts, personal health, risks, and lifestyle.

Our Decision on Getting Flu Shot, New COVID-19 Vaccine

This week, Rick and I made the decision to receive both of the vaccines at our local pharmacy. We made an appointment a few days prior and walked out within 30 minutes with a band-aid on each arm. Our vaccines were paid for in full using private insurance.

Our reasons for getting the new COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot were pretty straightforward. In 2020, we were six weeks shy of planning a “trip of our dreams” to Europe when the pandemic hit.

Three-and-a-half years later, we are doing Take 2 of that same trip, and are departing this fall. After cancelling our trip and both later getting COVID, we are trying to take every reasonable health measure to make sure that our trip is memorable and that we stay healthy throughout it. After all, nobody wants to be sick when abroad.

Neither of us has turned 65, so we are don’t fall in the category of being “elderly” as some health officials call it. But since we believe we caught COVID in 2022 (after staying healthy for two years) on a full flight returning home from Anchorage, AK., combined with the knowledge we will be in a plane for a longer time this trip, for us it was a no-brainer.

But understand this. Don’t judge us for choosing to get the 2023 flu shot and new COVID-19 vaccine bundle and we won’t judge you if you elect not to. It’s your decision.

However, if you are like us, and are planning an international trip in the upcoming future and want to know if there are any vaccine requirements, the CDC has you covered.

This link lets you input your destination and learn of any current travel advisories or restrictions as well as finding out any recommended or required vaccines. It’s worth checking out for your own health and peace of mind!

Considerations on Whether the Vaccines Are Right for You

While the new COVID-19 vaccine offers the hope of staying healthy and less likely to become ill from the latest variations circulating, it is essential to acknowledge that health experts acknowledge that not everyone should rush into receiving the new flu and/or COVID-19 vaccines.

Certain groups of individuals need to be cautious and evaluate potential risks. In particular, pregnant women are advised to consult their healthcare provider for personalized guidance. Although there is limited data available on the vaccine’s impact during pregnancy, experts recommend discussing individual risk factors and benefits with a trusted medical professional.

Further, individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis should exercise caution when considering the new COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC has advised that people who have had severe allergic reactions to any ingredient in the vaccines or those who experienced an immediate allergic reaction after receiving their first dose avoid vaccination altogether.

These precautions aim to prevent any potential adverse reactions that may arise from pre-existing allergies.

Last, those who are currently battling acute illnesses or experiencing symptoms such as fever could benefit from delaying their vaccination until they have fully recovered. It is important to ensure one’s body is in optimal health condition when receiving any vaccine since sickness can affect its effectiveness and potentially lead to unnecessary complications.

Whether you are on the side of getting the new COVID-19 vaccine and/or annual flu shot or believe they are not for you, that’s okay. After all, we all share a common goal of wanting everyone to stay as healthy as possible regardless of the route selected.

Written by

Robin McClure

Robin is the author of 7 parenting books and has 3 grown children, 3 spoiled rescue dogs, and a very understanding husband. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and a master's degree in communications, and spends her time writing, drinking coffee, and planning the next grand adventure.