Covid booster and flu vaccine - can I get in same arm to prevent lymphodema?

Also got my blue letter today! 

When I got my first covid vaccine in May (during chemo), I was also recommended to get the flu vaccine but they said they wouldn't normally do two vaccines within a week of each other. So I had the covid vaccine, then went to my GP surgery a week later and got the flu one. Same arm for both - the opposite arm to my surgery.

Flu vaccine should be ok to get via your GP so perhaps get the covid booster done, then go to your GP for the flu one a few days later just to be safe?

Last year I had flu and pneumonia shots at the same time. I was not allowed to have them in the same arm, would have had to go back for the other. I decided to just have one in my cancer side (had full node clearance) and had no issues relating to lymph system.

Hope that helps x

Hi Owlsfriend, did you end up getting your vaccines at the same time in the same arm. I'm going for mine shortly and have the same question

Hi all, when I had travel jabs post surgery they wouldn’t give more than one injection in the same arm on the same day. So I had to space them out. I’m going to a pharmacy tomorrow (which I arranged myself) for my flu jab and will hopefully have my Covid booster mid November, 6 months after my second dose. I’m not keen to risk anything on surgery side as I already have mild lympheodema in that breast. Don’t think you need many days between injections but I can’t remember as it was a couple of years ago. Xx

I went for my 3rd covid dose last week, and the the vaccinator offered me the flu jag too and said she could do both in the same arm, 1 inch apart.

I declined the flu jag in the end because I had last year's flu jag only two months ago (long story - chemo), but was glad to know they could do both in the same arm.

Hi Owlsfriend,

I went for my annual flu jab on 30th Sept but could not have it in either arm - PICC Line in my right arm & due to have surgery on my left breast with lymph node clearance in my left armpit - had the jab in my right buttock.

I had 3rd COVID normal jab on 8th Oct due to being immuno-suppressed after chemo - again could not have jab in either arm - had jab in my left buttock.

Both jabs gave me a small lump & the jab sites were a bit sore for a couple of days. I'm fine now.

Stay safe & take great care of yourself 

Jen 

I’m glad you mentioned this as it hadnt crossed my mind. I have my flu jab booked for this Saturday and they’re trying to bring forward my 3rd Covid jab - not sure if it’s the same throughout UK , but in Wales, if you’re in a vulnerable group they’re giving a 3rd full Covid jab around now and your first Covid booster will be in 6 months time. My specialist has had to email them about bringing mine forward due to my chemo etc. 

Cookie196118,

It seems England & Wales are both giving 3rd COVID normal jabs to people in vulnerable groups. Not sure about Scotland & Northern Ireland.

I've completed my chemo sessions & due to have surgery on Wednesday next week.

Hope all goes well for you. Stay safe & take great care of yourself.

Thanks.

Hi Beatthebreast

I had 3rd Covid vaccination and flu vac in the same arm at the same time about 10 days ago. Both in arm away from node removal. Nurse told me to consider it a 3rd dose and said that a 4th dose may be necessary before a booster dose. They dont know yet what we immunocompromised folk will need as the research is still being done. 

Slightly uncomfortable arm afterwards, but not bad. First two were AZ, this time Phizer.

Really pleased to have got them.

WallyDug