Fall brings changing leaves, cooler weather and, for many Akronites, the start of respiratory virus season.

Flu and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses, but recommendations about who should get vaccinated to prevent each disease differ.

The 2026-27 flu vaccines are currently available, along with updated, FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines. 

While the CDC has not issued new COVID-19 vaccination recommendations for the 2026-27 season, several major medical groups have issued their own recommendations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians and American Academy of Pediatrics.

What are the symptoms of flu and COVID-19?

  • Flu symptoms often come on suddenly and commonly include fever, chills, body aches and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea are more common in children with the flu.
  • COVID-19 can cause a wide range of symptoms, from none to severe illness. A new loss or change in taste or smell can occur with COVID-19, although it is less common than earlier in the pandemic.

Who should get a flu vaccine?

Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season, with rare exceptions, medical experts recommend. Vaccination is particularly important for people at higher risk of serious flu complications.

They include:

  • Children younger than 5, especially those younger than 2
  • Adults 65 and older
  • Pregnant people
  • People with certain chronic health conditions, including asthma, diabetes and heart disease
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • People living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities

Some children need two doses of the flu vaccine in a season, depending on their age and vaccination history. A child’s healthcare provider can determine whether two doses are needed.

People 65 and older have additional vaccine options. The CDC preferentially recommends a high-dose, recombinant or adjuvanted flu vaccine for this age group. If one isn’t available, people 65 and older should get another age-appropriate flu vaccine rather than wait.

When should you get a flu vaccine?

For most people who need one dose, September and October are good times to get flu and COVID-19 vaccines. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October if possible. It can continue later in the season as long as flu viruses are circulating and flu vaccine is available.

Guidance on COVID-19 vaccines can be confusing and contradictory

Recommendations around who should get a COVID-19 vaccine vary depending on where they are coming from. In general, the FDA targets the vaccine for specific high-risk populations, while major medical associations recommend broader access.

The FDA couches the decision about getting vaccinated based on what it calls individual-based decision-making, or shared clinical decision-making. That means that patients, parents and healthcare providers can consider factors such as risk of severe COVID-19, vaccination history, preferences and the potential benefits and risks of vaccination. 

The FDA recommends that individuals at risk for severe cases of COVID-19, which includes anyone age 65 and older, along with anyone over 6 months old with underlying health conditions like diabetes, heart failure, chronic liver disease or a compromised immune system, get vaccinated. 

That differs from several major medical groups that have issued their own recommendations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics. 

They recommend that:

  • All children ages 6-23 months be vaccinated against COVID-19, using a risk-based single-dose approach for children and teens from 2-18 years. The organization supports ongoing immunization access for any family wanting to be vaccinated against COVID-19. 
  • The AAFP recommends COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy during any trimester and including during lactation.
  • It’s recommended that anyone over 65 who is immunocompromised get a second dose of the COVID-19 six months after the first.

Who is at higher risk from COVID-19?

Age is the strongest risk factor for severe COVID-19, with risk increasing substantially among older adults over 65. Certain medical conditions can increase the risk, too. 

The CDC’s list includes:

  • Cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Chronic lung disease, including asthma
  • Diabetes
  • Heart conditions
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Conditions that weaken the immune system
  • Certain neurological conditions
  • Certain disabilities
  • A history of smoking

Can flu and COVID-19 vaccines be taken at the same time?

Yes. People who are eligible for both vaccines can get them during the same visit. There is no required waiting period between the two vaccines.

Where can Akron-area residents get flu and COVID-19 vaccines?

Vaccine availability varies by location. Some providers require appointments, while others offer walk-in vaccinations, so check before going.

How are flu and COVID-19 different?

Many symptoms overlap, so feeling sick doesn’t necessarily tell you which virus you have. Testing can help determine whether someone has flu or COVID-19, and some tests can detect both viruses at the same time.

Common symptoms of both flu and COVID-19 include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Fatigue
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Headache
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Contributor (she/her)
Shams Mustafa believes journalism can help communities navigate complex issues and access support. As a freelance journalist at the Wooster Daily Record, she worked to report with clarity and empathy to help readers navigate the systems that affect their lives, using her skills as a storyteller. Now, she brings those skills to Signal Akron as a contributor. She holds a Master of Arts degree in journalism from Kent State University and has been recognized for her work by the Ohio Associated Press Managing Editors.