Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Why is the flu vaccine important?

A flu vaccine makes it less likely that you will get the flu. A flu shot may not prevent you from getting the flu completely but getting a flu shot reduces the risk of infection, severe disease, death, and hospitalization.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone ages six months and older should get a flu vaccine. There are different types of flu vaccines. Some flu vaccines are meant for people who are 65 years and older. If you are 65 years and older, you should get these vaccines, if available.

How much does the flu vaccine cost?

Most health insurance companies cover flu vaccines without charging a copayment or coinsurance. But they may require you to receive the vaccine at a specific place. Be sure to check your insurance company’s requirements. If you do not have insurance, please call the clinic where you will be getting the flu vaccine to talk about what it will cost.

Do I also need to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine?

We encourage you to get the updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccination. The updated vaccine will protect you against the latest virus variants. Find more information about the updated vaccine in our COVID-19 vaccine FAQs.

Can I get the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine together?

Yes, you can get a flu shot any time even if you recently received a COVID vaccine. You can even get both vaccines on the same day.

Can I get the flu from the flu vaccine?

The flu shot cannot cause the flu. Flu shots either contain inactivated (“killed”) flu virus or parts of the virus.

I don’t get sick. Why do I need the flu shot?

When you get the flu shot, you are not only protecting yourself. You are protecting everyone else by preventing the spread of the flu, and this includes our patients and your family, friends, and community. Everyone is at risk for illness; the CDC estimates that flu has resulted in 9.3 million–41 million illnesses, 100,000–710,000 hospitalizations, and 4,900–51,000 deaths each year between 2010 and 2023.

Why do I have to get the flu shot every year?

Protection from the flu vaccine wears off. In addition, the flu virus strains circulating change from year to year, so you need an updated flu shot each fall.

Find more information about the flu and flu vaccine on the CDC’s website

Where can I get a flu or COVID-19 vaccine?

There are many places to get a flu vaccine or updated COVID-19 vaccine. You should get your flu vaccine where it is most convenient for you.

Please note: Some places may only offer the flu vaccine to patients of certain ages or may not have the vaccines for patients 65 and older available.

Local pharmacy

Visit a local pharmacy to obtain your flu or COVID-19 vaccine. Local pharmacies may not administer to infants and toddlers. Please contact your child’s pediatrician’s office if you are having trouble.

Primary care provider’s office

Many primary care and specialty offices across Mass General Brigham offer the flu, COVID-19, or RSV vaccines at regularly scheduled office visits. Most of our clinics do not offer vaccine-only appointments.