CLEVELAND — Now is the time most medical professionals are encouraging people to get the flu shot.

They say it's something you'll want to have as COIVD-19 remains a threat.


What You Need To Know

  • Medical professionals are advising people to get the flu shot as flu season is underway

  • University Hospitals Dr. Amy Edwards said people can get the flu shot at the same time they get their COVID-19 vaccine or booster

  • Edwards said flu cases appear to be down so far this year​​

"The main reason is because you don't want to get sick from the flu. Even though most of us that are young and healthy are not going to have severe influenza and are not going to end up in the hospital. Anyone who's had influenza will tell you how awful it is even with a mild case that you're able to take care of it at home," said Dr. Amy Edwards, associate medical director of pediatric control at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital.

But should you get your flu shot at the same time you get your COVID-19 vaccine or booster?

Dr. Edwards said yes.

"It's perfectly safe. The data is perfectly clear on that. And at least from what people are telling me, it doesn't seem to make their side effects worse in any way," said Edwards.

And even though you can get them at the same time, Edwards said it's best to get them in separate arms.

"Shots hurt. You don't want to put more than one in the same muscles," said Edwards.

Edwards said so far, flu cases appear to be significantly lower than usual​.

She said there has only been one confirmed case so far in the University Hospitals system.​