WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that it’s safe for other vaccines to be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.

The CDC is changing their tune, now with new data advising that it’s safe for other vaccines to be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine. You can get the COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 booster while you get your flu shot this year.

“The CDC has changed its initial recommendations , you no longer have to wait so we see a lot of people actually getting both shots at the same time,” said Big Y Pharmacy Manager Christi Masciadrelli.

Previously, health experts thought the side effects of the vaccines could overlap so they were advising spacing them out. However, now the CDC explains that your body will develop protection and have the same possible side effects whether or not the vaccines are given alone or together.

The CDC recommends getting the flu vaccine by the end of October and to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can.

“I’m all for it. I wish everybody would get it. I don’t know if herd immunity is ever going to happen but I’m strongly for it,” said Jay Laliberte.

It is recommended that the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines that may be likely to cause local reaction be given in different limbs. The CDC does not recommend that you get the flu shot if you actively have or are suspected to have COVID-19, until your isolation period is over.