October is generally considered the beginning of flu season. The CDC recently updated the COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for fall and winter 2025-2026. Many families are wondering whether they are eligible for the vaccines, and when they should get them.
Professor Rebecca Wurtz from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health shares her expertise on why the COVID-19 and flu vaccines are so important, and when the best time is to get vaccinated this year.
Q: What should parents and patients consider when deciding on getting this year’s COVID-19 vaccine?
Prof. Wurtz: COVID-19 vaccines — including the updated vaccine approved by the FDA for use this fall and winter — are incredibly safe and effective while minimizing symptoms and contagiousness associated with COVID-19 infections. By staying up-to-date on your vaccination, you lessen the likelihood of serious complications, including Long COVID.
Q: Are Minnesotans still at risk for serious COVID-19 infections?
Prof. Wurtz: The risk of COVID-19 infection is certainly lower than it was in 2020 due to increased immunity from vaccinations and previous infections, but the disease continues to kill people in the U.S., causes Long COVID, and causes people with an infection to cancel work, social plans and travel. Boosters make all of those negative outcomes less likely.
Q: Who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, and what if someone not eligible wants to get it?
Prof. Wurtz: Guidance has changed several times in recent months, but as of early October 2025, anyone over the age of 6 months is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. The only expectation is for an individual to discuss whether the vaccine makes sense for them with a health professional. Doctors, nurses, physician assistants and pharmacists all count as health professionals. No conversation has to be documented, and no form has to be filled out. Some of the nation’s largest pharmacy chains, including CVS, have announced that people won’t need to have a conversation with a pharmacist unless they have questions about the vaccine.
Q: Where can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Prof. Wurtz: People can get the COVID-19 vaccine at their healthcare provider’s office, special vaccine clinics — including some employer-provided workplace vaccination sites — and pharmacies.
Q: When is the right time to get a flu shot? Can I get a flu shot at the same time I get the COVID vaccine?
Prof. Wurtz: The protective effects of the flu vaccine last about six months, as does the flu season. The ideal time to get a flu shot is right at the start of the flu season, usually around early October. If the flu season lasts longer than usual, people at high risk for serious flu infections, including people older than 65 and anyone with lung or heart problems, should get a second dose of the flu vaccine.
Yes, you can get a flu shot and a COVID-19 shot at the same time. There is not currently a combined shot that covers both viruses.
Rebecca Wurtz is an infectious disease physician, public health informaticist and professor in the U of M School of Public Health. Just like some people check sports scores, she checks the flu stats at the CDC’s version of ESPN, FluView.
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