Receiving Multiple Vaccines at the Same Time

It is perfectly safe to receive multiple vaccines at the same time. Our immune system encounters many pathogens every day and is well equipped to handle this. Vaccines may be live, inactivated, or made up of parts of a pathogen that activate the immune system in the same way as a natural infection. For non-live vaccines, there is no strict upper limit to how many can be given at one visit. In general, the body tolerates several different vaccines at the same time, and our nurses and doctors always make an individual assessment.

What Applies

Several vaccines can be given at the same visit, with a few exceptions. Live vaccines should be given either on the same day or with a four-week interval.COVID-19 vaccines can generally be given regardless of timing, preferably in a separate arm. However, we recommend not giving them at the same time as adjuvanted shingles or RSV vaccines.

Non-Live (Inactivated) Vaccines

The general rule for non-live vaccines is that they can be given completely independently of the timing of other vaccines.

Exceptions

  • Combination vaccines against tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), diphtheria, and meningococcal vaccines: may be given on the same day, otherwise a 4-week interval applies.
  • RSV vaccine should not be given together with other vaccines → a 14-day interval is recommended.
  • Shingles + pneumococcal vaccines: not recommended at the same visit due to the risk of stronger local reactions.

Covid-19-vaccine

The general rule is that COVID-19 vaccines can be given independently of other vaccines, but preferably in a separate arm.Recommendation: Do not give at the same time as adjuvanted shingles vaccines or adjuvanted RSV vaccines.

Live Vaccines

The general rule for live vaccines is that they can be given at the same time as other live vaccines (or on the same day) or with a four-week interval. Non-live vaccines can be given independently of the timing of a live vaccine.

Exceptions (Always 4 Weeks Between)

  • MMR and yellow fever
  • MMR and chickenpox (varicella)
  • MMR and dengue
  • Yellow fever and dengue


Not Sure If You’re Vaccinated?

If you’re unsure whether you’ve been vaccinated or how many doses you’ve received, the recommendation is usually to get vaccinated. Receiving an extra dose of a vaccine is not dangerous, unlike with some other medications. Discuss this with our experienced and knowledgeable nurses and doctors, and we’ll make an assessment tailored to you and your situation.
Receiving Multiple Vaccines at the Same Time | VaccinDirekt