Flu Shot, Covid-19 Booster and Intravitreal Injections: Safe to get them simultaneously?

Flu shots and COVID-19 boosters are now available for millions of Americans.  If you are missing either the flu or COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot, it’s actually more convenient to get them both at the same time.  The physicians of Pacific Eye Associates mention that there are no safety concerns about getting these vaccines simultaneously and no efficacy concerns.  

If you have macular degeneration, you may be worried about getting the flu shot and COVID-19 booster shot at the same time as your retina injections.  Many of our patients who have macular degeneration usually visit our office once a month for injections.  If you receive eye injections, you may be wondering whether or not, these vaccinations will affect the effectiveness of your intravitreal injection.  Dr. Ali A Zaidi our retina ophthalmologist says “No, there is no effect what-so-ever. It’s perfectly safe to receive the flu shot, COVID-19 booster and your usual injection at the same time.”  However, if you’re not feeling well after getting the flu and COVID-19 booster shot, then we recommend that you reschedule your injection appointment.  Your health and eyes are both important.  At Pacific Eye Associates, we have implemented safety measures for your protection.  Please read about our safety measures here. 

Where to get your Flu and COVID-19 Booster shot?

Walgreens , CVS and Safeway all offer free flu and COVID-19 vaccine shots.  If you have insurance, they may check your insurance but one can schedule an appointment on their website or walk-in for an appointment.  Most major pharmacies and supermarkets now offer flu shots and COVID-19 booster shots. 

The San Francisco Department of Public Health and other Community Clinics offer free or low cost flu vaccines to the public.  The AITC Immunization and Travel Clinic also has flu and COVID-19 vaccinations available to the public, many for free or at low-cost.  Check the AITC website or call (415) 554-2625 for hours and availability.  For now, all visits are by appointment-only.  For your convenience, you can book an appointment online or call us at (415) 554-2625.

Many vaccines are also offered at pharmacies on a walk-in basis.  Use the Health Map Vaccine Finder to find a location that offers vaccines.

Who’s Eligible for a Booster Shot?

Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanded the eligibility for COVID-19 booster shots in the United States.  Under the CDC’s new guidelines, more people who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine are now eligible for the booster shot.  For those who received either vaccines six months ago and are 65 years or older, the booster shot is now recommended.

• If you received the Pfizer or Moderna, you are eligible for a booster if you are:
• • 65 years or older
  • Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
  • Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
  • Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings

• When to get the booster:
  • At least 6 months after your second shot
• Which booster should you get?
  • Any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States.*

• If you received the Johnson & Johnson Janssen, you are eligible for a booster if you are:
• • 18 years or older
• When to get the booster: 
  • At least 2 months after your shot
• Which booster should you get?
  • Any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States.*

*The CDC is also allowing a ‘mix and match’ approach when it comes to a Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer booster; meaning eligible individuals no longer need to stick with the same brand of booster as the brand of their initial series. “There are now booster recommendations for all three available COVID-19 vaccines in the United States,” the CDC statement reads. Visit the CDC website for more information. 

No Effect on your Intravitreal Injections

If you have macular degeneration, you may be worried that vaccinations will interfere with your injections from your ophthalmologists.  We’re here to remind you that none of the vaccinations will affect the efficacy of your intravitreal injections.  In fact, Dr. Ali A. Zaidi and Dr. Jennifer Sung, recommend that you get your booster and flu shot as soon as possible so that you don’t get sick.  Studies confirm that maintaining a regular schedule of eye injections is important in retaining the vision you have, and missing even one appointment can have a negative effect. 

Looking for an ophthalmologists who specializes in treating retina eye problems?  At Pacific Eye Associates, we have two medical eye doctors who are accepting new patients.  They both have been practicing for 15+ years and helping their patients treat their retinal eye disease.  Schedule an appointment with either of them or visit their profiles to learn more about our retina ophthalmologists.