October the best time to get COVID boosters, flu shots, experts say - ABC News

It’s safe for people to get both shots during the same visit, experts say.

With doctor's offices and pharmacies now offering seasonal flu shots and updated COVID-19 boosters, experts are urging Americans to get both, with many saying October is the best time.

Ashish Jha told ABC News the best time to get a newly updated COVID-19 booster is "no later than the end of October for maximum protection," which aligns with flu shot timing recommendations.

The "Goldilocks moment" for the flu shot is also October, said Dr.

"If you for whatever reason cannot get a flu shot by the end of October, it's not too late," said Dr.

The Food and Drug Administration recently authorized the first updated COVID-19 booster shots -- the first major upgrade to COVID-19 vaccines.

The new COVID-19 boosters are designed to be a better match against currently circulating COVID-19 variants, and are currently authorized for everyone 12 and older who had their last COVID-19 shot at least two months ago.

Although children under 12 are not yet eligible for the new booster shots, many are still getting their original COVID-19 vaccines, which are authorized for children 6 months and older.

Similar to the guidance for adults, pediatricians say it's safe to give young children COVID-19 shots and flu shots in the same doctor's visit.