I was at the doctor’s last week for my annual check up and she asked me if I wanted a flu shot. Already? Jeez louise. I decided to wait until October, but I am a big advocate of getting the flu shot after I came down with influenza and strep at the same time two winters ago.
For those of us who don’t have access to a free shot, here is what people are charging.
Costco has the best price for the flu shot at $20 a pop; the pneumonia shot is $35. You can find a vaccination event at Costco here.
Walgreens is giving flu shots for $25, a slight drop from last year’s standard $30 charge. A benefit of the recession!
Rite aid has the flu shot for $30 and the pneumonia shot for $45.
Wal-Mart has select flu vaccination events. You can check for one near you.
If you are unemployed and uninsured, you can get a free flu shot.
My doctor is charging $28 plus co-pay, a drop from last year. What is your doctor charging?
CVS is charging $30 and have them available without an appointment at MinuteClinic locations inside certain CVS’s. Most MinuteClinic locations are open seven days a week and offer evening hours. On September 15th, more than 9,000 flu shot clinic events will be held in select CVS’s. Call 1-888-FLU-SHOT or go to CVS to find a list of vaccination locations.
Still looking for a place to get a flu shot? Try FindAFluShot.com, which lists clinics by proximity to your zip code. Unfortunately, the listings don’t include prices so you’ll have to make some calls.
Caveats: some states or pharmacies may have restrictions on who can get the flu shot. Ask ahead of time to avoid headaches. No pun intended!
Thanks, Laurie!
September 9th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Costco is charging $20 for a flu shot, not $35. Big difference. Pneumonia shot is $35.
September 9th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Vons/Safeway charges $30. But you receive a 10% groceries coupon good for 7 days.
September 9th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
I heard a flu shot mostly protects one for just about 3 months. So getting the flu shot early may not be a good idea.
Anyone know if timing is important?
September 10th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
When I was still in the classroom, I got my flu shot every year, for obvious reasons. I’ve continued to get them post retirement, and have not had the flu in years. I’ve had the shots in Sept., Oct. & Nov., and it didn’t seem to matter when I got them. I’ve gone to Costco the past few years, and even got my pneumonia shot there (recommended for those 70 years of age or older). The process was quick and uncomplicated.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:32 am
I have Kaiser, they have yearly shot clinics and it’s totally free. And I would rather have the shot than be out sick. My company only gives 4 sick days a year and come fall, they are usually gone. No pay or shot…no pay or shot…shot!
September 13th, 2009 at 5:07 am
[...] Bargain Babe tells us where to get the best price on flu shots. [...]
September 13th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
I live near a State University which has a medical school associated with it and every year they give flu shots out for free. Granted it is only one day and you may have to wait but take a good book and enjoy some reading time.
September 14th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Great tip, Carolyn. Thanks for sharing. I hope others can take advantage and maybe get a free flu shot.
September 15th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
In regards to getting the flu shot early, it is best to get it early. Reason, the flu vaccine helps your body build a resistance to the virus. No vaccine is a 100% but if you wait you take a chance of catching it. The flu is already here I will be getting my shot at Walgreens this week. Thanks for the info. on the best price!!!