But if someone has had a severe vaccine response in the past, it might be wise to get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at different times.

The new bivalent boosters are authorized to be taken at least two months after one's most recent vaccine dose, regardless of how many boosters a person received, according to Imlay.

If you've had a recent COVID-19 infection, it may be best to wait at least three months before receiving the bivalent booster.

"You've got a lot of immune priming from your infection, you get a lot of immune priming from your most recent vaccine dose, so wait some time before getting the bivalent booster," Imlay said as a "general recommendation.".

Doctors don't yet know how soon immunity wanes after the bivalent booster, but Imlay said they anticipate immunity could last between four and six months.

When asked whether a person should get the vaccine before Halloween or Thanksgiving events, Imlay said she would receive a booster at least 10 days before a potential COVID-19 exposure event.

She said she suspects, based on modeling, the state will likely have another fall wave of the disease, but the bivalent booster could help prevent "immune escape" — which is when the virus has changed enough that it can evade people's immunity