Q: Can I get the seasonal vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine during the same visit?

A: Yes, as long as you get the shot rather than the nasal spray. The CDC advises against simultaneous doses of the spray vaccine, which contains a live but weakened virus, because of a theoretical risk that one vaccine could interfere with the effectiveness of the other when they’re administered at the same time. The same concern doesn’t apply to the shots, so it’s fine to double up on those. But they should be given in different places (i.e., one in each arm) to reduce the potential for local side effects like soreness and swelling at the injection site.

--Kevin McCarthy, associate editor

For more see our flu vaccine safety FAQs, and Who should get the vaccine?