Flu and COVID-19 Resources 

Learn more about potential side effects after COVID-19 vaccination. 

Most people can get both vaccines in the same arm. If you’re getting the enhanced flu vaccine (approved for those 65 years and older), you may consider getting your COVID-19 and flu vaccines in different arms to reduce any arm pain and discomfort. 

Yes, please bring your insurance or Medicare/Medi-Cal card to your vaccination. Check with your insurance company about possible costs associated with vaccination. 

COVID-19 and flu vaccines are covered by most insurance companies. There may be a copay if insurance does not cover the full cost for an adult. Medicare Part B and MediCal plans cover the full cost of updated flu or COVID-19 vaccines. Check with your insurance company if you have questions. 

Yes. According to the CDC, evidence indicates that people can get added protection by getting vaccinated after they have had COVID or flu. See the CDC’s guidance for timing of vaccines after acute illness. 

Unless specifically indicated otherwise, you should be able to go ahead with most routine procedures and screenings either before or after receiving a COVID-19 or flu vaccine. However, talk to your doctor about getting a vaccine if you’re scheduling a surgery, transplant, or other procedure that requires anesthesia. 

Please wait 4-6 weeks after your vaccination to schedule your mammogram. 

Flu vaccines are available for anyone over 6 months old. You can schedule a vaccination appointment for yourself or a child through My Health Online or call 800-4SUTTER (788837). Updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available through Sutter in the fall. All vaccinations are by appointment only. 

Before recommending COVID-19 vaccination for children, scientists conducted extensive clinical trials.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then authorized COVID-19 vaccines for children 6 months and older, determining that the known and potential benefits of the COVID-19 vaccines outweigh the known and potential risks for children as young as 6 months of age.

According to the CDC, ongoing safety monitoring shows that COVID-19 vaccination continues to be safe for children. Learn more about the safety of COVID-19 vaccination for children. 

Yes. The CDC advises children can get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other vaccines. 

Vaccinations remain one of the best and safest ways to protect against illness and/or reduce the severity of the infection, including during pregnancy. Based on California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidelines, pregnancy is considered a high-risk condition, with an increased chance of complications from COVID-19. Several studies and national organizations including Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) have concluded there’s currently no evidence that COVID-19 vaccination poses added risk during pregnancy including the development of the placenta, and patients should receive a COVID-19 vaccine regardless of trimester when eligible. In addition, there’s no evidence that fertility problems are a side effect of any vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines. Discuss the risks of COVID-19 during pregnancy, and the risks and benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine, with your healthcare provider. 

Everyone is at risk for contracting COVID-19, and symptoms can be severe at any age. 

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine for your child will help to boost their immune response against COVID-19 and is the best way to protect them against COVID-19 and its complications. It will also help to reduce spread of COVID-19 across families, schools and communities. 

We are currently preparing for the upcoming launch of the updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall. Once it becomes available at Sutter, we will be ready to offer it.