Santa Barbara County health experts discuss receiving flu and COVID-19 vaccines together

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - As most businesses are operating normally again, health experts at Lompoc Valley Medical Center say the chances of getting the flu are higher.

Dr. Naishadh Buch says students returning to school also play into the increased risk. " … As life does turn towards the normal again then the risk of flu is also increased and that’s just another big problem."

Buch recommends getting both vaccines together. "The nice thing is that we can go administer those vaccines and so you don’t have to make a separate appointment for that so that’s a good thing."

Pharmacists at JDX Pharmacy in Santa Maria say they look forward to administering
both vaccines once supplies are made available in the next few weeks.

"I think it will be more convenient for people especially if they’re working
or have to take care of children Or have trouble getting down here at the
pharmacy to get the shots," said pharmacist Sue Fuller at JDX Pharmacy.

Buch says both viruses can be dangerous. But with vaccines available, he
hopes everyone will get the shots as soon as possible as the pandemic and
the flu season continue.

"It’s no different from COVID in many ways in the sense that on an annual
basis we’ve had several thousand deaths nationwide because of it," said Buch.

Health experts across Santa Barbara County are urging the community to get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.