- Recommended
Getting more than one vaccine: important information to consider
Discover why getting more than one vaccine in the same visit when recommended may be appropriate.
5 min read
Medically reviewed by
Dr. David Weber · August 13, 2025
Key takeaways
Vaccines can help train your immune system to recognize and fight certain harmful germs (viruses or bacteria) before they make you sick. They can help you defend against some serious illnesses including certain respiratory diseases.
Whether you're staying up-to-date on seasonal protection or addressing longer-term health needs, it is sometimes recommended to get more than one vaccine. This could mean getting two vaccines at the same visit or scheduling them across two appointments. Either way, staying up-to-date with vaccinations can help train your immune system response against certain respiratory diseases.
Yes, you can get more than one vaccine
What’s recommended?
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recommended people receive more than one vaccine in a single visit where clinically recommended to help stay up to date on protection without needing multiple appointments. In most cases, multiple vaccines would be administered in different injection sites (e.g., different arms).
What matters most is completing your recommended vaccinations, especially for respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal pneumonia, and RSV based on the recommended vaccines for your age and chronic conditions. Whether you get them together or separately, staying current on your vaccinations helps protect you.
Your immune system fights off germs every day. Vaccines only use a small part of a germ (virus or bacteria) to help your body learn how to protect itself.
Safety considerations
Getting more than one vaccine at the same visit when recommended may be considered appropriate. Side effects from vaccines, including vaccines to help prevent respiratory infections, can occur. These can be signs your immune system is responding.
While common side effects can be mild and last a few days, like pain at the injection site or fatigue, serious side effects can occur and may include serious allergic reactions, fainting after vaccination, as well as other risks. For more information, read What to know about vaccine side effects .
You can report any unexpected side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at vaers.hhs.gov .
Benefits of getting more than one vaccine
Getting vaccinated against more than one disease in a single visit, when recommended, means fewer trips to your healthcare provider or pharmacy. Fewer appointments means less time off work, fewer transportation hassles, and fewer missed opportunities to stay up to date with your respiratory vaccine schedule. Visit VaxAssist.com to check your eligibility, and find and schedule respiratory vaccinations.
Higher overall vaccination rates
When vaccines are offered together, people are more likely to complete their recommended schedules.
You can receive vaccines at:
- Your healthcare provider’s office – Ideal for personalized care and full immunization records.
- Local pharmacies – Convenient for walk-ins and respiratory vaccines.
Go to VaxAssist.com to check your eligibility, and find and book your respiratory vaccines in advance.
Questions to ask your doctor
It’s important to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider about vaccines, including respiratory vaccines. Here are examples of questions you can ask to start a conversation.
- Are there any vaccines I should get today—for example, flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal pneumonia, or RSV?
- Can I get more than 1 vaccine at the same time?
- What side effects should I expect?
- Are there any vaccines I should wait on?
Explore getting multiple vaccines
Getting more than one vaccine when recommended can help you stay protected. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about what vaccines, including respiratory vaccines, are right for you, and what you can get during your next visit. Visit VaxAssist.com to check your eligibility, and find and schedule respiratory vaccinations.
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Frequently
asked questions
Will side effects increase if two vaccines are taken at once?
Some people may experience additional side effects, and may feel more tired or sore as more than one vaccine means more than one sore arm, but serious side effects are rare.
Can I get vaccines on different days instead of all at once?
Yes. You can get more than one vaccine during the same visit when appropriate and recommended, or spread out over separate appointments. What matters most is staying up-to-date. Talk with your healthcare provider about what works best for your schedule and individual health needs.
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References
Administer the Vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. September 8, 2021. Accessed July 7, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/admin/administer-vaccines.html
Ginglen JG, Doyle MQ. Immunization. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2025.
Multiple Vaccines at Once. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. December 20, 2024. Accessed July 7, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/about/multiples.html
Tan L, Trevas D, Falsey AR. Adult Vaccine Coadministration Is Safe, Effective, and Acceptable: Results of a Survey of the Literature. Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2025;19(3):e70090. doi:10.1111/irv.70090 Vaccine Side Effects. The United States Department of Health and Human Services. May 6, 2022. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://www.hhs.gov/immunization/basics/safety/side-effects/index.html