free flu shots without insurance 2022
The Cost of a Flu Shot Without Insurance
Key takeaways:
- The cost of an uninsured flu shot depends on where you go and the type of injection you need, but usually ranges from $ 25 to $ 110 out of your own pocket.
- Flu vaccines recommended for people aged 65 and over are more expensive than those for young people.
- Free and inexpensive flu shot options may be available at local health centers and state health departments for those who qualify. If not, a GoodRx discount through the GoodRx flu vaccine program can reduce costs.
Flu Vaccine Advice for the 2022-2023 Flu Season
A mild flu season one year does not change the flu vaccination recommendation for the following year. For most people, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting the flu shot every year starting at 6 months old. This includes pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy.
Nine flu vaccines are available for the 2022-2023 flu season. Aside from age restrictions on certain vaccines, the CDC does not recommend one type of flu vaccine over another. Most insurers cover the annual flu shot as a preventive measure, often at no cost to the insured. This applies to Medicare enrollees, many Medicaid enrollees, and those covered by Affordable Care Act marketplaces like Healthcare.gov.
How Much Do Flu Vaccines Cost?
But not everyone has health insurance. About 11% of Americans are uninsured. Below, we break down the cost of different types of flu vaccine and show you how you can save money by paying out of pocket.
How much do flu shots cost if you don’t have insurance?
Flu Vaccine – What You Need to Know
For people without health insurance, the flu shot can cost between $25 and $110, depending on where you go and what type of flu shot you get. The three flu vaccines recommended for adults 65 and older are more expensive than those recommended for younger people. Additional charges such as administration fees may also apply. Therefore, it’s important to understand your options if you’re looking to cut costs during flu season.
Where can I get a free or low-cost flu shot?
Vaccines for Children Program (VFC)
Depending on where you live, there may be several options that offer free and inexpensive flu shots (often specifically for those without insurance).
Childhood Vaccine Program (VFC): To be eligible for this federally funded program, a child must be under the age of 19 and meet one of the following conditions:
- uninsured
- underinsured
- Eligible for Medicaid
- American by birth
- Alaska Natives
Vaccines provided by VFC are free, but administration or office visit fees may apply. Contact your local VFC coordinator to find physicians working with the program. Or you can go to a public health clinic, state-licensed health center, or rural health clinic to get vaccinated through VFC.
Local Health Centers Provide Free Flu Shots
Local Health Centers: Local health centers can provide free or low-cost flu shots in addition to other primary health services for people at risk, such as those living in public housing or veterans. You will need to check with your center as flu shot requirements vary from place to place. For example, San Francisco offers free flu shots to those who cannot afford the flu shot. Houston, on the other hand, offers injections to the uninsured and underinsured on a sliding pay scale, ranging from free to $15. The Texas Adult Safety Net Program offers vaccines to uninsured adults for a nominal fee, usually up to $25. Visit the Health Centers Program website for local health centers.
Nonprofit Organization Voucher Programs for Flu Shots
Nonprofit Coupon Programs: Nonprofit organizations can provide free or low-cost flu shot coupons. Requirements will likely vary from program to program, but these are primarily for those who cannot afford admission otherwise. For example, the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut charity has a flu vaccination program for the uninsured and underinsured. And the DuPage Health Coalition, an Illinois-based nonprofit, provides flu shot vouchers to low-income, qualified families.
Employer voucher programs: Your employer may also offer such vouchers. Depending on the program, you can redeem vouchers for a free flu shot at:
- On-site vaccination clinics at the workplace
- A participating pharmacy
- A network doctor
Requirements depend on your employer and program. For example, AECOM’s program offers free flu shots to employees and their partners at participating pharmacies between September and March. Workers who consult their doctor can also have their dependent children vaccinated free of charge, but may be liable for a co-payment for the doctor’s visit.
State Health Departments Offer Low-Cost Shots
State health departments: Another common option for free or low-cost injections is state health departments, which can reserve specific funds for the flu shot or other injections. For example, the South Carolina Department of Health offers low-cost shots to uninsured people aged 19 and over. Children aged 6 months to 18 years can receive a free injection. A state health department may also partner with a private company or pharmacy to provide flu shots. Washington state did this in 2020. With either of these options, be aware that vaccine supplies may be limited. You may want to check availability.
How much do flu shots cost at pharmacies?
Getting Your Flu Vaccine at a Pharmacy
If you’re paying out of pocket, you might want to go to a pharmacy to get your flu shot. Many offer walk-in flu shots or clinics. Here is a selection of different flu vaccines and their prices at four major pharmacies. Vaccine prices and offers may vary by location:
| Pharmacy | Flu shot cost |
|---|---|
| Walgreen | • Flu-Fluarix2: $43 • Flu-Afluria2: $57 |
| Walmart | • Fluzone-quadrivalent: $39 • Fluzone High-Dose: $86 • Flublok-quadrivalent: $85 |
| CVS | • Quadrivalent (standard vaccine): $49.99 • Flublok-quadrivalent: $85 • Fluzone High Dose or Fluad: $94.99 |
| Costco | • Afluria and Flucelvax: $19.99 • Fluad: $49.99 Pricing reflects Costco Member Prescription Program Discount Card, which may vary by location. |
Costco Member Prescription Program Discount Card
Prices reflect the Costco Member Prescription Program discount card, which may vary by location.
If you need to pay for your flu shot out of pocket, GoodRx can help save you money at participating pharmacies in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The GoodRx flu vaccination program includes the cost of administering the vaccine, and the price is only $34 for those under 65 and $65 for those over 65.
Bottom line
The Cost of a Flu Shot
If you don’t have health insurance, the cost of a flu shot can vary greatly depending on where you’re going and what type of shot you need. Flu shots recommended for adults 65 and older are more expensive than those recommended for younger people. If you don’t qualify for free or low-cost options like those available at local health centers or your state health department, you can shop for less and get a GoodRx rebate through the program. GoodRx flu shot to save on your flu shot costs.
References
AECOM. (n.d.). Free flu shots.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). About VFC.