Protecting Yourself with COVID and Flu Vaccines

Reduce your risk during fall and winter virus season

As cold and flu season gets underway, eating right and getting regular exercise can help ward off infectious illness. But for older Americans who are at higher risk for complications from COVID and the flu, the best defense against hospitalization and death is getting vaccinated.

If you’re 65 or older, staying current with recommended vaccinations can help boost your immunity and give you the most protection possible. Talk to your health care provider about an appropriate vaccination schedule based on your age and health needs.

NCOA is committed to getting you the most accurate, up-to-date information about COVID and flu vaccines—so you can continue to stay healthy and do what you love.

Frequently asked questions about COVID and flu vaccines

Is the COVID vaccine safe? COVID vaccines and subsequent boosters are all approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has a rigorous approval process. Vaccines are carefully tested before they are approved to make sure they are safe, effective, and of high quality. Even after approval, vaccines may continue to be studied to learn more about how well they work and to watch for any possible side effects.

What are the benefits of getting vaccinated against COVID and the flu? People over 65, some people with disabilities, those who have compromised immune systems, and those with certain underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of developing complications from COVID and the flu.

Older adults who have gotten vaccinated are more likely to stay out of the hospital and have a lower risk of death from these illnesses. Although vaccines do not always prevent infection, COVID and flu symptoms are usually milder for people who have been vaccinated, when compared to those who did not get vaccinated.

Will I have side effects from the COVID or flu vaccine? Maybe. Some people experience side effects from vaccines such as injection site pain, swelling, and redness; fatigue; headache; and muscle aches. These side effects are usually mild and subside in one to three days. Serious side effects from these vaccines are rare, and their safety is continually monitored.

Will a vaccine prevent me from getting sick? Getting vaccinated doesn’t guarantee you won’t get COVID or the flu. But COVID and flu symptoms are usually milder for those who have been vaccinated, when compared to those who did not get vaccinated.

Can I get COVID or the flu from a vaccine? No. The FDA-approved COVID vaccines are made with either a killed virus, a weakened virus, or no virus at all, so they cannot make you sick with COVID.

Flu vaccine shots contain either inactivated virus, meaning the viruses are no longer infectious, or a particle designed to look like a flu virus to your immune system. The nasal spray flu vaccine does contain a live virus, but the viruses are changed so that they cannot give you the flu. You may have a reaction to the vaccine that includes feeling ill or achy, but that is not the flu or COVID. It’s a side effect from the vaccine that will go away in a few days.

Why do I need another COVID vaccine? Even after you are fully vaccinated, protection against the virus naturally decreases over time. Adults over 65 and many people with disabilities and chronic conditions are more likely to suffer complications, be hospitalized, and die from COVID. Getting the most current vaccine recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gives you added protection from the strains that are currently circulating.

Which vaccines are right for me? The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) reviews vaccines and makes recommendations on how they should be used to protect Americans. Once the CDC Director approves these recommendations, they become official CDC policy. COVID and flu vaccine guidelines are generally updated each year for the upcoming virus season.

Which vaccinations you get, and when, should be a shared decision between you and your doctor based on CDC guidelines and your personal health.

Your next steps in getting vaccinated

Ask your health care provider about getting up to date on your vaccines. The CDC website can also help you find a convenient location to get your COVID and/or flu vaccine.