We're heading into the thick of respiratory virus season here in Los Angeles, and this year you've got three vaccines to think about: COVID-19, flu, and RSV. I get asked almost daily which ones people need, whether they can get them at the same time, and how to time everything. Let me walk you through it.
The Three Vaccines and Who Needs Them
COVID-19 vaccine: The updated 2024-2025 formula is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Yes, even if you've had COVID or previous vaccines. The virus keeps evolving, and this year's shot targets the variants currently circulating.
Flu vaccine: Also recommended for everyone 6 months and up, with very few exceptions. If you've had a severe allergic reaction to flu vaccine in the past, talk to your doctor first.
RSV vaccine: This one's more selective. The CDC recommends it for:
- Adults 75 and older
- Adults 60–74 who have chronic heart or lung disease, weakened immune systems, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or live in nursing homes
- Pregnant people at 32–36 weeks gestation (to protect the baby)
If you're in that 60–74 age range and healthy, you and your doctor can decide together whether RSV vaccination makes sense for you. It's a "shared decision," not an automatic recommendation.
Can You Get Them All at Once?
Short answer: yes, you can get COVID and flu vaccines at the same time. The data shows it's safe and effective.
For RSV, the guidance is a bit more conservative. You can technically get it with the others, but some people report more arm soreness or fatigue when combining all three. Many folks prefer to space RSV out by a week or two — get your COVID and flu together, then come back for RSV. There's no wrong answer here.
When patients stop by our pharmacy at the corner of Vine and Fountain, I usually ask about their schedule and comfort level. If you're heading out of town soon or have a busy few weeks ahead, getting everything done in one visit might make sense. If you have time to spread things out and want to minimize side effects, that works too.
Timing Questions I Hear Constantly
"I just had COVID last month. Should I still get vaccinated?" Yes, but you can wait about three months from when your symptoms started. You've got some natural immunity right now, so there's no rush.
"I got my flu shot in August. Is that too early?" Ideally, we'd wait until late September or October so your protection lasts through the whole season. But if you got it early, you're still better off than skipping it entirely. Flu tends to stick around in LA through April or even May.
"When should I get my RSV vaccine if this is my first one?" Anytime during fall or winter is fine. Unlike flu, you're likely looking at one RSV shot, not an annual thing — though the CDC is still finalizing long-term recommendations.
What to Expect After Your Shots
The most common side effects are sore arm, fatigue, headache, and sometimes mild muscle aches. These usually show up within a day and last 1–2 days. It means your immune system is doing its job.
If you're combining vaccines, expect that you might feel a bit more run-down than usual. Plan accordingly — maybe don't schedule your shots the day before a big work presentation or that 6 AM hike in Runyon Canyon.
Serious allergic reactions are rare but can happen within minutes, which is why we have you wait 15 minutes after any vaccine. We're set up to handle reactions if they occur.
What About Kids?
For children, the recommendations can get complex depending on age and vaccine history. If you're wondering about vaccines for your kids, that's definitely a conversation to have with their pediatrician. We focus on adults at our pharmacy, but I'm always happy to point you toward good resources for pediatric questions.
Getting Vaccinated Here
We keep COVID and flu vaccines in stock throughout the season, and most appointments take about 10 minutes total. Walk-ins are welcome when we're not swamped, though calling ahead at (323) 957-9446 helps us prepare your paperwork. We're open weekdays from 9 AM to 6 PM.
RSV vaccine availability can be a bit spottier depending on demand and insurance coverage, so definitely call first if that's on your list.
The consultation is always free, even if you end up deciding to wait or go somewhere else. I'd rather you make an informed decision than feel rushed into anything.