Does the flu shot help prevent COVID-19?

Because the flu and COVID are caused by different viruses, the influenza vaccine, or flu shot, does not protect you from COVID.

It is still important to get an annual flu shot, since it will help to prevent you from getting the flu and reduce your chance of being hospitalized if you do. This helps to keep our clinics and hospitals from becoming overcrowded during the pandemic.

SOURCE: https://www.lung.org/blog/flu-shot-covid-19-vaccine (American Lung Association)

Updated 12/16/2021