How to Get Cheap or Free Flu Shots Without Insurance
Learn how to get cheap or free flu shots without insurance during the 2024-2025 flu season!
Flu season is approaching! Here’s where to find cheap or free flu shots without insurance in 2024 and how to get coupons with a vaccination. Keep in mind that many insurances tend to cover the cost of flu shots, so if you’re an insurance holder, call to confirm before booking your vaccination.
As colder temperatures set in, the inevitable flu season follows. The CDC recommends everyone six months and older get a flu shot, except for rare exceptions. If this is a choice you choose to make, we’ve rounded up the best ways for you to get free flu shots without insurance in 2024.
Did you know that there is a flu shot for people with egg allergies? Some influenza vaccines licensed for use every year are manufactured without the use of eggs. Learn more about the CDC’s recommendations for persons with egg allergies on the CDC website.
The CDC recommends that you get your flu shot as soon as possible for maximum protection. Aim to get the shot before the flu starts spreading in your community, as it takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop antibodies and provide protection.
Luckily, you don’t have to spend a lot on flu prevention! Read on to discover how and where you can save money on flu shots—and even get them for free!
In many cases, insurance plans often cover flu shots completely, with no copay. Call your insurance to confirm.
You might be able to get a free flu shot without insurance this year!
If you have health insurance or a public health insurance exchange, your health insurance is now required to pay for your flu shot without any co-pay when given by an in-network provider. Be sure to confirm with your insurance as some may offer free flu shots at specific locations only.
If you’re over 65, Medicare Part B covers flu shot costs as well. Veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system can get a flu immunization at a VA facility.
Don’t forget to check with your employer or university to see if they will offer free flu shots and/or clinics this year. Many institutions provide this service because it helps keep you healthy!
Additionally, many county health departments offer free flu shots to those in need or without insurance. They often provide free shots to children and the elderly, extending this service to everyone, especially during a severe flu season. Check your local county or city’s website for more information about their health programs.
Although pharmacists can now administer the flu shot to children as young as 3 years old, we found that some still enforce an older minimum age requirement. We confirmed the age ranges by calling each location, but the minimum age requirement can vary. If you have young children, we recommend calling ahead to ensure the pharmacist can give them a flu shot.
The prices listed below reflect the cost of a seasonal trivalent (3-strain) flu shot, which doctors recommend for people between 6 months and 64 years old. The high-dose flu shot for individuals 65 and older often costs differently. Please contact your local flu shot provider to verify the cost in your area and whether you need to pay in cash.
No insurance coverage? Here are some places to get cheap flu shots without insurance in 2024:
Albertsons:
Get a seasonal 3-strain flu shot for $92 without insurance (ages 11-64). Plus, you’ll get 10% off your next grocery bill (up to $200).
Costco:
Get a seasonal 3-strain flu shot for as low as $19.99 without insurance (pre-tax). NO Costco membership is required but the price for non-members starts at $24.99. *Note that some have been able to get their flu shots for free at their location.
CVS:
Get a seasonal 3-strain flu shot for $68.99 without insurance (ages 3-64). Schedule an appointment to receive a $5 off $20 coupon (valid until December 31, 2024).
Kroger:
Get a seasonal 3-strain flu shot for $50 without insurance (ages 12-64). Get $5 OFF when you get a flu vaccine or get $20 OFF when you get a flu vaccine and any other vaccine in the same visit at the pharmacy or clinic (valid until November 2, 2024).
Meijer:
Get a seasonal 3-strain flu shot for $71.50 without insurance (ages 5-64).
Publix:
Get a seasonal 3-strain flu shot for $68 without insurance (ages 4-64).
Rite Aid:
Get a seasonal 3-strain flu shot for about $57.99 without insurance (ages 3-64).
Safeway:
Get a seasonal 3-strain flu shot for $70 without insurance (ages 6 mo. – 64 years). Plus, get 10% off your next grocery purchase (up to $200) with any immunization.
Sam’s Club:
At Sam’s Club, you don’t need a membership to get a flu shot without insurance, although members receive a discount. You can get a seasonal 3-strain flu shot for ages 6 to 64 for just $24.99 with a regular Sam’s Club membership, while non-members pay around $52. Sam’s Club also offers a nasal flu vaccine that costs $31.29 for members and about $43 for non-members. This type of vaccine isn’t suitable for everyone, such as those with asthma, so check with the pharmacist to ensure it’s appropriate for you.
Target:
Get a seasonal 3-strain flu shot for $68.99 without insurance (ages 3-64) at the CVS Pharmacy inside Target. Plus, receive a $5 OFF $20 coupon with a vaccination.
Walgreens:
Get a seasonal 3-strain flu shot starting at $40 without insurance for ages 4 to 64. If you’re a rewards member, you can grab a coupon for 20% OFF your next purchase of $20 or more (up to $100).
Walmart:
Get a seasonal 3-strain flu shot for just $45 without insurance (ages 18-64).
Looking for more places to get a flu shot near you?
In addition to your primary care physician, many urgent care facilities and locally-owned grocery stores and pharmacies offer flu shots that are free under most insurance plans or reasonably priced for anyone without insurance.
If you need to pay out of pocket, use the FREE GoodRx website or download the FREE GoodRx app to find coupons for discounted flu shots in your area.
The CDC also provides a vaccine finder on its website, allowing you to search for all available vaccines in your area (including influenza) based on the recipient’s age and the desired immunization.
I thought Publix stopped issuing gift card for getting flu shot.
Thanks for mentioning this, Susan! 🤗 We’ve updated the post! 💗
I’ve been getting my flu shot at CareNow for $20.00 for several years.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing where you’ve been able to get a flu shot on the cheap! 🙌💉❤️
Per CDC website: “All flu vaccines for the 2024-2025 season will trivalent vaccines, designed to protect against three different influenza viruses, including two influenza A viruses and an influenza B/Victoria virus.”
It’s first time in over a decade that the vaccines are not quadrivalent.
Thanks so much for sharing this information, maria! 🤗 I’ve updated the details above! 💖