Free Flu Shots Through Clinics Community Organizations And Public Health Departments
Many health departments and free clinics offer low-cost or free flu shots across the U.S. Here are a few examples:
-
Most colleges offer free flu shots for their students. Check on your schools website to confirm.
-
Military veterans enrolled in health care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can get a flu shot at their nearest VA health care facility. This program does not apply to family members of veterans.
-
Many county health departments offer free, or discounted, flu vaccinations during flu season. Examples include:
-
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, in partnership with select LA County Libraries, will offer free flu shots through November.
-
The San Francisco Health Department offers convenient locations for members of the public to easily access free or low-cost flu vaccines.
-
The Houston Health Department offers flu shots to uninsured and underinsured people on a sliding scale that ranges from free to $15.
Cant find a location near you on this list? Watch for announcements on your local news station or in your local newspaper or search online for free flu shots in your area or through your citys health department.
How Much Do Vaccines Cost At Minuteclinic
MinuteClinic is a walk-in clinic that provides health screenings, treatment for common illnesses, and vaccinations for children, teens, and adults. Its located inside more than 1,100 CVS Pharmacy and Target locations in 33 states and Washington, D.C.
At MinuteClinic, the rules are a little different than at CVS Pharmacy. First, MinuteClinic doesnt offer COVID-19 vaccines. Many clinics still accept walk-ins, but some require appointments during the pandemic.
Lastly, unlike CVS Pharmacy, where pharmacists give shots, MinuteClinic is staffed by medical providers. That means a nurse practitioner or physician assistant will deliver your immunization instead of a pharmacist.
MinuteClinic accepts most insurance plans and lists its prices on its website. The prices represent the fee for a vaccine only. If you end up discussing other healthcare concerns during your vaccine appointment, you also may be charged for a separate medical visit.
Here are MinuteClinic cash prices for some of the most commonly requested vaccines, including:
Commonly requested vaccines |
---|
$75 |
What Kinds Of Vaccines Does Cvs Offer
CVS Pharmacy offers a full list of vaccines. Among the most commonly requested ones are:
-
Influenza : The flu vaccine is offered on a seasonal basis. Two different kinds are available. Four-strain flu vaccine protects against four strains of the virus for children and adults. The high-dose or senior-dose flu vaccine is for people age 65 and older.
-
Shingles: The shingles vaccine is recommended for people age 50 and older. It is given in two doses spaced 2 to 6 months apart.
-
COVID-19: The long-awaited coronavirus vaccine is finally available to all adults age 16 and older starting April 19 and earlier in many places. A vaccine for younger teens and children is expected later this year.
-
Tdap: The CDC recommends the combination tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine for adolescents and adults every 10 years to protect against all three infections.
Each state has its own age requirements and other vaccine restrictions, so be sure to check your local stores rules before heading to CVS.
Also Check: Cat Flu Treatment At Home
The Flu Vaccine Helps Protect You And Your Family From The Flu
Millions of people get influenza every year. While it may be common, seasonal flu is a potentially serious disease. It can lead to hospitalization and even death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .1 Thats why its recommended to get a flu vaccine every year to help protect yourself and your family.2 The flu vaccine can help:
- Weaken or prevent the flu
- Reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor with flu by 40 percent to 60 percent during seasons when the flu vaccine viruses are similar to circulating flu viruses1
More Ways You Can Help Protect Yourself Against The Flu

After you get your flu shot, continue to take steps to protect yourself and others from the flu and from COVID-19. That means frequent hand-washing, wearing a cloth mask and keeping a safe distance when youre in public spaces. Here are more ways you can help protect yourself and your community:
If youre feeling sick, stay home
Wash your hands throughout the day, especially after youve been in a public place or if you sneeze or cough
Avoid close contact with others and maintain a physical distance from others when youre in public spaces
Wear a cloth mask to cover your mouth and nose when youre around others. This helps protect others in case you may be infected
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, like doorknobs, tables, countertops, phones and more
Read Also: How Long Is The Keto Flu
Why Get Your Flu Shot Every Year
- Flu viruses are always changing. Scientists predict which virus will be most common each year. Flu vaccines are changed each flu season to make them work as well as possible.
- Your protection with the flu shot gets weaker over time. That’s why a yearly flu shot is needed to keep you from getting sick.
When Should You Get Your Flu Shot
Its generally recommended that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October, according to the CDC. This is especially important because of the ongoing spread of COVID-19. The flu season can last until March or April, so you can still get the flu vaccine later. No matter when you get your flu shot, it will still be valuable to help protect you for the rest of the flu season. Talk to your provider about the best time to get your flu shot. Remember to ask about other vaccines you might need to protect yourself this year too.
Don’t Miss: Point Of Care Flu Testing
How Much Is A Minuteclinic Visit For Flu Shots At 1401 South Baldwin Avenue Arcadia Ca With And Without Insurance
Flu Shots at MinuteClinic typically costs $50-$74, while all MinuteClinic® prices in Arcadia range anywhere from $35 to $250 depending on the service. Please visit our service price list and insurance information page to see detailed pricing and insurance breakdowns. At CVS MinuteClinic®, most insurance plans are accepted. We recommend contacting your insurance company prior to your visit to be sure that the service you are seeking will be covered. How much you will have to pay out of pocket will depend on your insurance coverage. If you do not have insurance or prefer to pay out of pocket, you may pay with cash, card, or check. Prices may vary depending on the complexity of the case. Lab tests and additional services may result in additional charges.
Cant make it in for a visit? We also have Video Visits, which enable you to see one of our health care professionals from the comfort of your own home as an alternative for just $59 per visit. Currently, a Video Visit is not covered by insurance and is not required to get treatment.
Five Things To Know: Getting Vaccinated At Cvs Pharmacy
Across the country, in nearly 10,000 communities nationwide, our customers turn to their local CVS Pharmacy to help lead them on a path to better health, not only through our prescription services, but our innovative assortment of health-focused products and services as well.
One of those services is vaccinations. Administered in all of our retail locations nationwide by a certified immunizer and by a nurse practitioner at our MinuteClinic locations, our vaccination offerings go well beyond the annual influenza shot. And since no appointment for vaccinations is required, CVS Pharmacy is a convenient and reliable place for customers to get CDC-recommended vaccines when and where they need them.
Here are some things to know before heading to a local CVS Pharmacy for a vaccination.
Don’t Miss: Kaiser Permanente Flu Shots Folsom Ca
The Best Flu Shot Deals At Cvs Target Publix And More
If youre looking for a place to get a flu shot, theres a good chance your local pharmacys immunization program has what you need. But as youll see, some pharmacies may have better flu shot prices and deals than others.
In this article, Im going to show you some major grocery and pharmacy chains offering flu shot deals as of September 2021.
What’s The Best Way To Protect Yourself From The Flu
Video transcript
Its important to get the flu shot every year. The flu shot protects you against the flu virus.
It can help you prevent a hospitalization or complications of actually getting the flu.
It is very easy to find a local pharmacy or your providers office. Its offered in multiple, multiple locations.
Not only that, its also covered at 100% in most plans.
Don’t Miss: Tricare Flu Shots Rite Aid
From What Strains Of Influenza Does The Quadrivalent Vaccine Offer Protection
The quadrivalent vaccine has the same strains as the trivalent vaccine plus 1 additional B strain of influenza. Some facts about influenza B strains:
- The B strain has been directly linked to epidemics that have occurred every 2 to 4 years
- Influenza B virus represented up to 44% of circulating strains during 20012002 and 20102011
- On average, influenza-associated hospitalization and mortality rates are higher with type B influenza than with type A
- The impact of circulating B strains is greater in children and young adults
What Do I Need To Know About Flu Shots

Who is this for?
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network members under age 65. If you’re a Medicare member, please visit our Medicare flu and pneumonia shots page to learn more.
There’s never been a more important time to get your flu shot. You can learn about it here. You might also want to know the symptoms of the flu versus COVID-19.
Recommended Reading: Strongest Over The Counter Flu Medicine
Talk To Your Pharmacist Or Nurse Practitioner Prior To Your Vaccination
Before administering your vaccination, the immunizing pharmacist or nurse practitioner will want to know about any medical conditions you might have, any previous reactions to vaccines, and your medication history if you fill your prescriptions at another pharmacy. They will also be able to advise on any side effects that may result from your vaccination.
Seasonal Flu And Covid
COVID-19 and the flu will likely both be spreading this season, according to the CDC. Protecting yourself from the flu with a flu shot helps reduce your risk of serious illness and hospitalization.3 Thats important this year because there continue to be concerns about hospital capacity with the ongoing spread of COVID-19. It may be hard to know if you have COVID-19 or if it may be the flu or a cold, since symptoms are similar. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine will give you the best protection. You can even get them at the same time.3 Ask your doctor if you have more questions about how these vaccines can help protect you.
- Those with specific health conditions
Read Also: What Does A Positive Flu Test Look Like
Where Can You Get Your Shots And Vaccines
If you have health insurance, choosing an in-network provider or a retail clinic that participates in your insurance plan can help you keep costs lower. You can get shots from an out-of-network provider, but you may be asked to pay the full price.
If you have a CareFirst health insurance plan, learn more about what vaccines are covered in the Summary of Preventive Services or ask Member Services any questions you may have.
If you are a member of another health plan, or are comparing available benefits, ask your health insurer’s Member Services office what vaccines are covered with your health insurance.
Flu Shots At Minuteclinic In Arcadia Ca
Our staff is trained to help you understand risks of the flu as well as administer the flu vaccine. During your visit, you will also learn about ways to help prevent the flu this season. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advises that people six months of age or older be vaccinated against influenza annually. Since youre likely to fall into that criteria, you can just stop by the MinuteClinic at 1401 South Baldwin Avenue and get your flu shot at your convenience while picking up your prescriptions or same-day photo order!
Don’t Miss: Coricidin Hbp Cold And Flu Dosage
Which Medicare Services Cover Flu Shots
Flu shots are covered under Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, so long as your provider or pharmacy is one that accepts Medicare payment.
Because Medicare Advantage plans must offer at least the same coverage as Original Medicare, your Medicare Advantage plan also covers flu shots once a flu season. Private health plans may not require that you get a referral to receive the flu shot, but they may require that you receive the shot within your planâs network of providers. Like Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans cover the full cost of the flu shot. Overall out-of-pocket costs such as premiums and deductibles may vary for these plans, but the deductible does not apply in this situation, if the plan has one.
Do You Need The Flu Shot If You’ve Received The Covid
Video transcript
If youve already gotten the COVID-19 vaccine, it is also recommended and important that you get the flu shot this year. One covers you against the influenza virus, and the other covers you for the COVID-19 viruses. Theyre two distinct vaccines.
Every year, the flu vaccine is different.
This year, we suspect that the cases for the flu may increase.
Once you get the flu shot, it takes two weeks to become effective in your system. So the earlier you get it, the less exposure you have to others who are sick within your community.
Read Also: What Was The Death Rate Of The Spanish Flu
You Vs Flu: Flu Shots Available Now At All Cvs/pharmacy And Minuteclinic Locations To Help You Win Against The Flu
– Flu vaccinations given every day by CVS pharmacists and MinuteClinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants with no appointment necessary –
– Direct medical billing available and many insurance plans accepted, including Medicare Part B and TRICARE –
– $5 CVS gift card provided if any part of your cost of a flu shot is not covered by insurance –
– Fluzone® High-Dose available for patients age 65 and over –
News provided by
Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots At Cvs

The flu vaccine is even more important for our elderly loved ones in this the year of the coronavirus pandemic. Do make sure that your loved ones get vaccinated, as flu alone can be deadly, and it will help slow down community spread to other elderly and vulnerable persons.
Medicare Part B covers a flu shot at CVS, and there is no deductible or coinsurance to pay. CVS is Medicare-enrolled and accepts assignment, meaning you will have nothing to pay. CVS should bill Medicare directly. Medicare covers one flu shot per flu season only.
Don’t Miss: How Do Doctors Test For Flu
Flu Shots Now Available At Cvs Pharmacy And Minuteclinic
Two-thirds of Americans say they plan to get a flu shot this year, with 54 percent planning on getting their vaccine earlier than last year
WOONSOCKET, R.I. With the ongoing health impacts of COVID-19 on local communities, CVS Health is reminding the public that it is more important than ever to stay current with vaccinations and other routine health care needs. By getting a flu shot this fall and taking other proactive measures to improve general health and immunity, individuals and families can protect themselves against seasonal flu, help safeguard the overall health of the community and minimize the impact on health care resources.
According to a survey commissioned by CVS Health “Flu Intention” Survey, commissioned by CVS Health in July 2020. and conducted among a general population of U.S. consumers, the impact of COVID-19 is significantly influencing individuals’ likelihood to get a flu shot this season. Results have shown that consumers’ intention to get vaccinated has been increasing month over month, with 66 percent of those surveyed in July saying they definitely or likely will get a flu shot this season, compared to 34 percent of those surveyed in January 2020. In addition, 54 percent of consumers surveyed indicated that they plan to get their immunization earlier than last year.
How Much Does A Flu Shot Cost Without Insurance In 2021
The out-of-pocket cost for a flu shot is between $20 and $70. However, the price will vary depending on what kind of flu vaccine you receive. Most insurance companies will cover your flu shot at several pharmacies or urgent care facilities.
There are several types of flu shots that you may be able to get this year. The most common types of flu shots are the quadrivalent flu vaccine and the high-dose flu vaccine.
- The quadrivalent flu vaccine protects against four different flu viruses.
- The high-dose flu vaccine can be given to adults over 65 to create a more robust immune response and protection against flu viruses.
Healthcare can be expensive, whether you have insurance or not. Mira offers healthcare for just $45 per month and includes affordable virtual care services, urgent care visits, low-cost lab testing, and discounted prescriptions. and get started.
Read Also: Kroger Daytime Cold And Flu
Booking An Appointment Online
If walking into a store and waiting in line for an appointment for your flu shot is not for you, you can use the Walgreens online store locator here and schedule an appointment for a flu shot at a Walgreens near you.
To speed up your appointment for the flu shot you can download the Informed Consent For Vaccination Form here, and fill it out prior to your appointment.
For your flu shot, you will also need to take a valid ID, proof of your Medicare insurance, and a face mask.