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CostHelper.com > Health & Personal Care  > Flu Shot

Flu Shot Cost

How Much Does a Flu Shot Cost?

low costMedium: Often covered by insurance
low costHigh: $5-$30

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Typical costs:
  • The cost of flu shots varies by location, but usually ranges between $5 and $30.
  • Many health insurance plans cover flu shots as part of a wellness plan. For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina covers flu shots for members who have preventive care benefits. Flu shots are free for Medicare recipients, unless the provider charges more than Medicare reimburses.
  • For those with health insurance, out-of-pocket expenses typically range from zero to a copay of $10 or $15.
What should be included:
Additional costs:
  • In addition to the flu shot, pneumonia shots also are recommended for anyone 65 or older and people with chronic illnesses or immunosuppression. Pneumonia shots often are covered by health insurance for high-risk individuals; otherwise, they usually cost slightly more than flu shots, ranging from $10 to $40 or more.
Discounts:
  • Some drugstores offer limited-time flu shot discounts of $5 or more off.
  • Some employers offer free or discounted flu shots to their employees.
Shopping for a flu shot:
  • Flu shots can be obtained through a doctor's office or health clinic. Also, many drugstores, some supermarkets and some community organizations offer them. The American Lung Association offers a flu shot locator by zip code.
  • A nasal flu vaccine is available for healthy people age 5 to 49, who are not pregnant.
  • Anyone who wants to reduce chances of getting the flu can be vaccinated. However vaccinations are strongly recommended for anyone at risk for flu-related complications, as well as anyone who lives with or cares for them.
  • People who are allergic to eggs, have had allergic reactions to flu shots in the past, have a fever or have a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome should consult a doctor before getting a flu shot. Side effects of the flu shot can include soreness or redness at the site of the shot, a low-grade fever, aches and, in rare cases, an allergic reaction.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
 
Article updated March 2008
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
Flu shot
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: a user in Raleigh, NC.Posted: November 12th, 2009 01:11PM
Veterans need to remember they can get their shots at no cost through a VA hospital or clinic.
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YMCA
Amount: $15.00
Posted by: yangzi in Indianapolis, IN.Posted: April 21st, 2010 10:04AM
Location: IndianapolisInsurance Carrier: Cigna
I have gotten flu shots at my local YMCA for $15 before insurance. It's usually around $20-25 for a flu shot at elsewhere.
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FLu Shot
Amount: $24.00
Posted by: ChiTownGirl in Chicago, IL.Posted: October 15th, 2010 04:10PM
Location: TargetInsurance Carrier:
Flu shots at all Target pharmacy's are $24.00
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Flu shot denied
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: katiel in henderson, NC.Posted: December 6th, 2010 09:12AM
Location: Henderson NCInsurance Carrier: Humana
My PCP is only offering flu shots to medicaid patients and not to private insurances
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Target NOT in-network with BCBSNC!
Amount: $24.00
Posted by: CarolinaGirl in Raleigh, NC.Posted: December 7th, 2010 08:12PM
Location: Target @ NH in RaleighInsurance Carrier: BCBSNC
Type of Policy: Blue Options
Don't get your flu shot at Target if you have Blue Cross...while the pharmacy is in-network, the pharmacists who administer the vaccines are not. In my opinion, all flu shots should be covered at 100% as they are preventive care and ultimately save insurance companies money, but Blue Cross has found a way around covering mine. I went to Target because that is where I get all my prescription drugs and it is an in-network pharmacy. I was not aware that the the insurance company classifies the vaccine as a medical service, not a drug, and the provider is the pharmacist, and that pharmacists at in-network pharmacies can be out-of-network providers. Very frustrating! Poor customer service from both BCBSNC and Target for not making this loophole clear to subscribers/customers before they get the vaccine! It's only $24, but given the expensive premiums I pay for insurance coverage, this preventive service should be paid at 100%.
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Target-shot given by pharmacist not RN
Amount: $25.00
Posted by: angeleyes in Mays Landing, .Posted: September 20th, 2011 05:09PM
Location: Mays Landing, NJInsurance Carrier: none
Strange setup, receptionist didn't know how to handle, had to wait 30 mins because they were busy and then they had the pharmacist give the needle where everywhere else I've ever had the flu shot it was given by a RN. Guess next year I'll have to go back to the clinic, not fun.
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Kaiser Flu Shot
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: sasha culver in Modesto, CA.Posted: October 14th, 2011 02:10PM
Location: Kaiser building Modesto, CAInsurance Carrier: Kaiser
Free ONLY if you have Kaiser insurance AND go to a Kaiser facility to get the shot. Otherwise have to pay out of pocket expense. Tried my local Walgreens and they said not covered and would be $31. So drove 14 miles to Kaiser for free one. Easy in and out and friendly people.
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sloan kettering
Amount: $38.37
Posted by: carolb in massapequa park, NY.Posted: December 27th, 2011 02:12PM
Location: rockville centerInsurance Carrier: empire blue cross
Type of Policy: ppo
empire did not cover shot because it was given by oncoligist during a visit but they consider the office visit a HOSPITAL facility?????? i was not informed that it was not covered..........
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