MILWAUKEE — Fall is in the air, and so is flu season. Some people are worried about the risk of a “twindemic” this winter, when both the flu and COVID hit at the same time.

Dr. Hashim Zaibak, pharmacist and CEO of Hayat Pharmacy, said he encourages people to get boosted. 

“Keep in mind people, this year, aren’t wearing their mask anymore,” said Zaibak. “There’s no social distancing anymore, we’re not testing as often. Some of the people who are positive might not know they’re positive. They might be completely asymptomatic while they’re meeting with others, traveling with others and transmitting the disease to others.” 

He said if you’re 12 years or older, and it’s been more than two months since your last COVID vaccine, you should get the new booster, which protects you from the Omicron variant. 

“Most of the COVID virus going around right now is the Omicron strain,” said Zaibak. “The challenge with that one is the original vaccine that we got six months or a year ago is not as effective for the Omicron.” 

Zaibak has noticed an increase of people getting both the COVID-19 and flu shots. 

“The symptoms are very similar so it’s better to have that full protection,” said Zaibak. “Especially if the person has high risk, if the person is 65 years or older, if the person is immunocompromised, if they have certain chronic conditions — certainly, they should get that vaccine quickly as possible.” 

He said it’s safe to get both vaccines at the same time, but it depends on your preference. 

“For some people, it might be good to separate them by one day to make sure they won’t get more side effects,” said Zaibak.

Zaibak said to not wait to get your shots because it’s the easiest way to beat getting sick during flu season.