As the mercury dips and leaves begin to tumble, many folks eagerly anticipate pumpkin spice, Halloween and the holiday season. But colder months also bring something far less pleasant: seasonal sickness. That’s right — flu season is back.
Receiving the flu vaccine is essential to shield yourself from influenza and to decrease the chance of severe illness if you do become infected.
Good news: getting vaccinated doesn’t have to break the bank. Below are places to obtain an inexpensive or free flu shot — plus spots that may offer perks or discounts after you get vaccinated.
Where to Score Cheap or Free Flu Vaccinations
The yearly flu vaccine can help prevent you from catching the flu and lessen the severity if you do get sick.
The CDC advises an annual flu shot for everyone 6 months and older.
While September and October are prime months for vaccination, the CDC stresses you can be vaccinated anytime the flu virus is circulating — the season typically runs until around April or May.
If you carry health insurance, you’ll usually be eligible for a no-cost flu shot. Even without coverage, there are affordable — and occasionally free — options available.
Ready to guard yourself against influenza? Here’s where to go for your vaccine.
1. Local Retailers, Supermarkets and Pharmacies
Many stores you already visit provide complimentary flu shots, and several pharmacies and grocers will even include a coupon or promo to help you save on a future purchase.
Showing your insurance card often gets you a free shot. If you don’t have coverage, you can typically receive the vaccine for under $50 at the following retailers:
Albertsons
If Albertsons is one of your regular grocery stops, you can obtain your flu shot during your next shopping trip. Appointments are offered, and walk-ins are usually accepted. Plus, you may receive 10% off groceries, up to a $20 maximum, for getting vaccinated at Albertsons.
Costco
You don’t have to be a warehouse club member to use a Costco pharmacy. Walk-ins are welcomed, or you can schedule an appointment online.
CVS
Get your flu vaccine at a CVS pharmacy or at a MinuteClinic. Through Dec. 31, CVS is issuing a $5 coupon toward any purchase of $20 or more when you receive a flu shot at one of its locations. Click here for details and to book an appointment.
Hy-Vee
Book your annual flu vaccination at Hy-Vee and you’ll be rewarded with 20% off per gallon of gas. Hy-Vee pharmacies offer the flu shot without a prescription. To make an appointment, reach out to your local Hy-Vee store.
Kroger
You can schedule a flu shot at Kroger Health’s pharmacy locations. Click here to arrange an appointment online.
Publix
Publix usually accepts walk-up flu shot visits at its in-store pharmacies. This year the chain also provides an online option so customers can book an appointment and sign consent forms in advance; you can do that by clicking here.
Publix supplies free flu shots through most insurance plans, including Medicare.
Rite Aid
Rite Aid offers free flu shots with most insurance plans. You can visit as a walk-in or make an appointment online.
Safeway
Along with free flu shots for many insurance plans, Safeway offers 10% off your next grocery bill up to $200. Some locations even run drive-up flu shot clinics.
Target
Visit a CVS pharmacy inside Target — walk-ins are welcome or you can schedule ahead. Flu shots are free with most insurance plans.
Walgreens
Walgreens offers free flu shots with most insurance carriers. You can walk in or book an appointment. If you’re a myWalgreens member, you can earn $10 in Walgreens Cash on your next in-store purchase of $1 or more when you get vaccinated there.
Walmart
The big-box retailer provides low-cost and free flu vaccines at its 4,600-plus locations nationwide. Find a Walmart near you to receive your immunization.
Flu shots are also available at Sam’s Club pharmacies without requiring a Sam’s Club membership.
2. Your Primary Care Provider and Urgent Care Facilities
If you’re insured, you can typically obtain a no-cost flu shot at your doctor’s office or at urgent care centers.
Keep in mind the vaccine may be free but the visit could incur a fee — check with the office before scheduling or arriving at a clinic.
3. Your Employer
Many workplaces provide complimentary flu vaccinations to employees every year. If you haven’t seen any announcements, ask your human resources team whether the company will sponsor an on-site vaccination event.
Getting immunized at work makes it easier to fit into your day, which often increases vaccination uptake among coworkers.
4. College Campuses
If you’re a student attending classes in person, your college may offer flu shots at no charge. Most of the time all you’ll need is your student ID.
Contact your campus health center to find out if free flu vaccines are being provided.
5. Community Health Centers
Community health centers serve areas with limited access to affordable medical care. They deliver services regardless of a patient’s ability to pay and charge on a sliding-fee scale when appropriate.
Your local health department may run free flu shot clinics regardless of insurance status, depending on where you live. Locate a center near you here.
6. VA Health Facilities
Veterans enrolled in VA health care can receive a no-cost flu vaccine at a VA health facility or at an in-network retail pharmacy or urgent care location. Bring a valid government ID and this form.
Contributor Olivia Grant covers personal finance, autos, pet care and family topics for Savinly. Deputy editor Marcus Lee contributed.
