When to get your Covid and flu vaccinations

Here is everything you need to know about who can get their Covid and flu vaccinations as infections soar once again throughout Australia.

Getting your Covid and flu jabs on the same day is the most efficient way to get prepped for the winter viral season.

And clinical studies have shown there is no increase in side effects when you do this.

A sore arm at the injection site and fatigue were the most commonly reported side effects from both Covid and flu vaccines.

The reactions were not worse when both jabs were given simultaneously, a study published in the Lancet medical journal in 2021 found.

People are able to get their Covid and flu jabs at the same time Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

And all the side effects were mild or moderate.

The study found no difference in the immune response to either the COVID-19 or influenza vaccine when they were given either together, or alone.

Who is eligible for the Covid jab

● All adults whose last Covid vaccine or infection was more than six months ago.

● If you are 65 years or older a booster dose is recommended.

● Adults aged 18 to 64 years who have medical comorbidities that increase their risk of severe COVID-19, or disability with significant or complex health need a booster.

If you had a Covid jab more than six months ago, you are eligible for a dose.

● A booster dose may be considered for children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 years if they have medical comorbidities that increase their risk of severe COVID-19, or disability with significant or complex health needs.

● Children and adolescents aged under 18 years who do not have any risk factors for severe COVID-19 are not eligible for a booster.

● No booster is recommended for children aged under 5 years.

‘DON’T COME NEAR US’

Timotea Delima and husband Rudolpho both got their fifth Covid jab this week.

“For me, it’s all about making sure I’m protecting myself and my health because I am getting older,” Mrs Delima, 67, said.

“Since the beginning of Covid, we made sure we took the opportunity to get all the vaccinations made available to us”.

Altona North couple Timotea Delima and her husband Rudolfo Delima received their fifth COVID-19 vaccination this week. Picture: Mark Stewart

Mrs Delima, who suffers from osteoarthritis said her life has changed dramatically because of the pandemic.

“I don’t go out anymore apart from going to church or going for a walk,” the Altona North local said.

“We were both lucky we have never had Covid, but our daughter and grandchildren got it and it was hard.

“I told them not to come near us,” she laughed.

Originally published as When to get your Covid and flu vaccinations