Mark Luigi Dacumos
Why Get a Flu Shot?
There are two main reasons to get a flu shot: First, it can keep you from getting the flu. And second, if you get the flu, the shot can help reduce the severity of the symptoms.
According to the CDC, people six months or older should get the flu shot each year. The best times to get vaccinated are in September and October. But you can get shots up to April or May when flu season ends.
Places That Offer Affordable Flu Shots
Do you have health insurance? If so, you can probably get a free flu vaccination. All marketplace insurance plans are required to cover the vaccine’s cost under the Affordable Care Act. You can check your policy to confirm.
If you don’t have health insurance, you may still be in luck. Here are some of the best places to go for your flu vaccine. Wherever you plan to go, call first to make sure they have the vaccine in stock, as supplies may be limited:
Grocery Stores and Retailers
These may be your ideal flu vaccine destination since you’ll have to go there to buy food anyway. Show your insurance card, and you’ll probably get a flu shot for free. But even if you don’t have one, you can usually get vaccinated for under 50 bucks.
- Costco – Flu shots start at $19.99 without insurance. Walk-ins are okay.
- Kroger – Get your flu shot from their pharmacy by making an appointment through Kroger’s website.
- Publix – You can walk-in or make your appointment through their website.
- Safeway – Get your flu shot here, and you can get a 10 percent discount on your next shopping trip. No appointment is necessary.
- Target – Appointments and walk-ins are welcome.
- Walmart – You can schedule your flu shot appointment here via the Walmart mobile app.
Pharmacies
- CVS – Flu shots are available through CVS locations or their Minute Clinics.
- Rite Aid – Get your flu shot here without insurance for $39.99. No appointment is necessary.
- Walgreens – Walk-ins or scheduled appointments are acceptable here.
At Work
The coronavirus pandemic may have shifted your workplace from the office to your home. But if you’re still going to work, as usual, contact your human resources department. They may provide on-site flu vaccinations.
Your Doctor
You can probably get a free flu shot from here, but the office visit may carry a cost. Check beforehand.
Urgent Care Clinics
An alternative to visiting your doctor that can offer free flu shots with insurance or at an affordable price.
VA Health Centers
Veterans participating in the VA healthcare system can get free flu shots at VA healthcare facilities, urgent care clinics, or in-network retail pharmacies.
Community Health Centers
One of these centers in your area may offer free flu shots even if you don’t have insurance. At the very least, the shots should be affordable, as they’ll charge you based on income.
College Campuses
If you’re a student who’s attending classes on campus, you may be able to get a free flu shot with your student ID.
Elsewhere
You can use the VaccineFinder website to find flu shot locations near you.
