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Where To Find Affordable Flu Shots

Jonah Jacobs
3 min read

You can strengthen your defenses with a flu shot. We’ll show you where you can get your flu vaccine for free or at a low cost, with or without insurance.

The Benefits of a Flu Shot

If you’re scared of needles, you may be wondering if a flu shot is really necessary. And while you could live without it, there are two primary benefits to getting the flu vaccine yearly:

  • It can help prevent the flu.
  • If you get the flu, it can lessen the symptoms.

Both young and old can get the flu vaccine, as the CDC recommends it for anyone over six months. While it’s too late to get your shot during the peak months of September and October, getting vaccinated up to April or May can still provide your body the protection it needs versus the illness.

Where to Get Free or Low-Cost Flu Shots

What can keep you from getting a flu shot? Besides the aforementioned fear of needles, a lack of insurance can stop you in your tracks.

Luckily, flu shots aren’t that expensive, even without insurance. And while they could cost you a few bucks out of pocket, you’ll have to factor in how much money you could lose by taking time off of work, buying flu medicine, etc., should you get sick from not having the vaccine.

With that being said, let’s look at the best places for getting the flu vaccination. Since they may vary in terms of supply, call ahead of time to make sure they have a shot waiting for you.

Doctor’s Office and Urgent Care Clinics

Either of these options can get you vaccinated against the flu for free if you have insurance. They may charge you for the visit, though, so call first to confirm your overall cost.

Community Health Centers

These centers are located all across the country to provide affordable healthcare to those who need it most. If you lack insurance and live on minimal income, you could get free flu shots at your nearest community health center, which you can find here.

Your Workplace

Unless you’ve been moved to a work-at-home arrangement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you could get vaccinated at your workplace. To find out if this option is available, get in touch with your company’s human resources department.

Your College Campus

Although many college campuses have closed due to the coronavirus, some are still open. On-campus students may be eligible for free flu shot vaccinations with their student IDs.

VA Health Center

If you’re a veteran, you may find free flu shots at one of the following, provided you’re part of the VA healthcare system:

  • VA healthcare facilities
  • In-network retail pharmacies
  • Urgent care clinics

Stores and Pharmacies

Here are several stores and pharmacies that offer flu shots. Most allow walk-ins, while some may require appointments to get vaccinated.
If you don’t have insurance, you can still get your shot for as little as $19.99, depending on where you go.

Contact them first before making the trip:

  • Costco
  • CVS
  • Kroger
  • Publix
  • Rite Aid
  • Safeway
  • Target
  • Walgreens
  • Walmart

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