My wife is pregnant and the ob recommended i also get the flu and tdap vaccines. is this needed? if i get both at same time, am i likely to experience not feeling well, or just a sore arm? is not feeling well after rarer than with the covid vaccines?

We do recommend that everyone who will come in contact with the newborn be vaccinated with Tdap, Flu, (and covid-19 for that matter). You do not have to get them at the same time, but it is ok to do so. Both vaccines can cause a local reaction (sore arms), so you can expect that at a minimum, but most people do not have as severe of a reaction to Tdap and Flu as they did to their Covid vaccines.

It is recommended, since disease prevention helps you, your wife and baby to stay well Side effects are usually mild and resolve within 48 hours.