It’s time to get your flu shot. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu season varies but can run anywhere from October to as late as May.
You can stay protected by stopping by or scheduling a flu shot appointment at a pharmacy near you. If you do so, you may be able to save some money.
This article will tell you how much it costs to get a flu shot at major pharmacies as well ashow you can save money on other items when you get your immunization.
How Much Do Flu Shots Cost?
The cost of a flu shot depends upon several factors, including whether you have insurance, your location, age and which influenza vaccine you choose.
For example, Costco.com‘s Fluad shot — which has been formulated for seniors — is $59.99. Meanwhile it’s Afluria and Flucelvax flu shots for ages 3 and up will run you $19.99 (but more on that later).
Where Can I Get a Free Flu Shot?
Walgreens, Albertsons and some other retail pharmacies offer free flu shots if you have health insurance. Check with your insurance provider for coverage details.
Additionally, many pharmacies have combined ways to save with flu shots. For example, Safeway and Albertsons, which are both part of Albertsons Companies, offer 10% off on grocery purchases up to $200 with any immunization, which can save you up to $20.
For specifics in your area, contact your local Safeway or Albertsons.
Check Out These Flu Shot Deals
In researching for this article, I called all the major chain pharmacies to get the latest prices on their flu shot. Let’s look at the flu shot deals at the major pharmacies. Prices may vary depending on where you live and other factors so be sure to call your local pharmacy to confirm pricing before you book your appointment.
Albertsons
The grocer also offers 10% off grocery purchases up to $200 (up to $20 in total value) through the end of 2023. For this deal, restrictions apply; call your local Albertsons pharmacy for details.
An Albertsons pharmacy associate told me that, without insurance, you’ll pay around $65 for a flu shot. Another location said it’d be about $30.
Schedule a flu shot at Albertsons.
Costco
Flu vaccines may be free with your health insurance, according to a Costco pharmacist. Because Costco is a wholesale club, members qualify for a discount on flu immunizations.
How Much Do Costco Members Pay for a Flu Shot?
Costco members pay $19.99 for a flu shot while non-members pay $29.99, the pharmacist confirms.
Seniors who are members will pay $59.99 for the Fluad flu-shot that is especially designed for those who are 65 and older.
Schedule a flu shot at Costco.
CVS
CVS says that you can get a coupon for $5 off a $20 store purchase after your immunization.
How Much Does a Flu Shot Cost at CVS?
Your flu shot may be free with medical insurance or Medicare Part B. Without insurance, the flu standard shot costs $62.99 or $106.99 (egg free), according to the store’s website.
Schedule your flu shot at CVS.
Giant Food
Giant Food also offers flu shots that are free with most insurance plans. Without insurance, the price is about $33, a pharmacist confirmed with Team Clark.
Schedule your flu shot at Giant Food Pharmacy.
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Kroger
Kroger says with most insurance coverage, your flu shot will be free. When I called Kroger, the pharmacist said that the price would be about $65 without insurance.
Schedule your flu shot at Kroger Pharmacy.
Publix
Flu shots at Publix should be free with most insurance. A pharmacist confirms that without insurance, the cost will be between $50 and $60.
Publix used to offer $10 to people who got the flu shot there, but a pharmacist confirmed to me that that is no longer the case.
Schedule a flu shot at Publix.
Safeway
Like Albertsons, Safeway offers 10% off of a grocery purchase up to $200 with immunizations.
For most insurance plans, the flu shot should be free. A pharmacist told me that they should be able to use a discount card for those who don’t have insurance, which would make the price about $35.
Schedule a flu shot at Safeway.
Target
Target is offering flu shots that are free with insurance in most cases. The retailer has partnered with CVS Pharmacy to provide vaccinations to its customers.
Schedule a flu shot at Target.
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Walgreens
Walgreens is offering $10 in rewards with store purchases if you get vaccinated. The deal is good through the end of the year.
The store advertises free flu shots with most insurance. Without it, the cost of a flu shot is about $69, according to a Walgreens pharmacist.
Schedule a flu shot at Walgreens.
Final Thoughts
Getting a free flu shot this time of year should be a breeze if you have health insurance. More than one pharmacist told me that another free option would be to check out your local health department to see if they’re running a free clinic.
To save more money at the pharmacy, don’t forget to visitGoodRx.comor download the app to find coupons you may be able to apply toward the cost of your flu shot.
Read our guide on how to save money with GoodRx.
