Search thousands of topics on CostHelper

BROWSE ALL TOPICS >> babies & children  cars  consumer electronics health & personal care home & garden personal finance  pets  schools small business sports weddings
CostHelper > Health & Personal Care  > Vaccinations > Flu Shot

Flu Shot Cost


How Much Does a Flu Shot Cost?

 
average costMedium: Often covered by insurancehigh costHigh: $5-$30
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.
Related articles: Travel Vaccinations, Teeth Cleaning, Mammogram, Colonoscopy, Blood Tests

What should be included:
  • The flu shot, which usually is injected into the arm, contains inactive virus for the three strains of influenza expected to be most common that year. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1] offers an FAQ on flu shots.
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[2] 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.
 
post Post   Comments (42)  
CostHelper News


7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd
As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013


7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget
End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013

‣ All CostHelper Blog Posts


What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

Page 2 of 2   -   << Previous   1   2   

Flu Shot Cost
Amount: $240.00
Posted by: Alberta in Muskegon, MI.Posted: February 8th, 2021 01:02PM
Location: Muskegon MiInsurance Carrier: Blue Cross Medicare
Type of Policy: NA
While at my annual physical my doctor asked if I would like to receive my flu shot after my exam. Not only did they charge $59 for the vaccine, $42 for the administration, but also $139 additional for a "clinic visit". I was already there for my physical and never moved from the exam table. From now on I will get my flu shot at the local pharmacy.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
$90. flu shot
Amount: $90.00
Posted by: TERESA T KLEIN in KNOXVILLE, TN.Posted: February 14th, 2019 05:02AM
Location: MD officeInsurance Carrier: United Health
Type of Policy: PPO
$40. for vaccine
$50. for administration fee
I agree to pay $40. but refuse to pay the $50. administration fee
The billing office threatened to turn me over for collection-Had this MD for TEN years !!! GO anywhere else but your MD office for your flu shot !!! $30. at CVS, Walgreens, Target Boycott the MD office for this !!!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
flu shot cost
Amount: $104.00
Posted by: Frustrated about healthcare in Oconomowoc, WI.Posted: November 26th, 2017 04:11PM
Location: ProHealth Care, WIInsurance Carrier: Anthem
I offered to pay the $35 flu shot cost with my debit card, but the woman insisted on billing my insurance. Turns out Anthem doesn't cover flu shots, so now I have to pay the $35 plus the $69 administrative fee, which was never disclosed to me. I have called "customer service" and they refuse to drop the administrative fee.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Non-insured flu shot
Amount: $50.00
Posted by: Sue from upstate in West Babylon, NY.Posted: October 7th, 2017 08:10AM
Location: Doctor's OfficeInsurance Carrier: None
Type of Policy: None
Cost $50 through Catholic Heath Services, should have gone to CVS for $25 and a lot less hassle.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Flu Shot Not Covered
Amount: $102.00
Posted by: Steven N. in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.Posted: January 22nd, 2017 05:01PM
Location: Northhampton Primary CareInsurance Carrier: Blue Cross
Type of Policy: PPO
Not sure doctors office is the most economical place to get a flu shot @ $102, and to top it off Blue Cross won't cover the service. What a joke!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
VA Flu Shots
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: evolvingarts in Durham, NC.Posted: December 25th, 2016 09:12AM
Location: Durham NCInsurance Carrier: VA
Type of Policy: Disability
Veterans do get free flu shots, however, do not arrive after Thanksgiving--after which it is necessary to sit in line and wait for the next available nurse. My waiting time was 2 hours. Before Thanksgiving, it would have been about five minutes.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Two flu shots at CVS
Amount: $206.00
Posted by: Ellen T. in Boca Raton, FL.Posted: December 15th, 2016 01:12PM
Location: Palmetto & PowerlineInsurance Carrier: Medicare & Medicaid
Type of Policy: Part A & B
PR PCV13 Pneumonia/Prevnar Vaccine and Pneumococcal Vaccine. Not covered by insurance. I have too pay $206.00 High price for a Senior to pay.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Administrative fee for flu shot
Amount: $50.00
Posted by: Cruzer1 in Kingsburg, CA.Posted: February 6th, 2016 06:02PM
Location: Kingsburg, CaInsurance Carrier: Blue Shield & Medicare
Type of Policy: Full coverage
Wife and I have always gotten the flu shot at our doctor's office and our insurance paid. Now that we both have Medicare in addition to Blue Shield we are charged an administrative fee of $50 in addition to the $30 for the shot which at this point may come out of pocket.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Flu shot at the
Amount: $102.96
Posted by: befuddled in Phoenix, AZ.Posted: November 30th, 2014 06:11AM
Location: phoenix VAInsurance Carrier: United healthcare Medicare
Type of Policy: secondary
I am a veteran, My insurance was charged 428.59 for immunization and 86.16 for misc services. insurance paid 102.96 and my bill is 411.80. I just went in for the flu shot 2014.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Flu Shot
Amount: $45.00
Posted by: SouthTexasTom in McAllen, TX.Posted: November 18th, 2014 04:11PM
Location: McAllen TexasInsurance Carrier: Medicare, Mutual of Omaha
Type of Policy: Medicare + Supplement
Received "past due" notice for $45.00 from doctor. Upon inquiry, I was told that both Medicare and my supplemental plan declined flu shot coverage. Stupid me, I paid the bill before verifying that this was true. Turns out Medicare DOES cover flue shots EXCEPT when the amount exceeds what they allow.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Flu shot costs more if you present insurance card!
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Not happy! in Charlottesville, VA.Posted: November 12th, 2014 01:11PM
The Med Express in Virginia quoted a price of $30 for a flu shot. I should have just paid it, but unfortunately I was silly enough to present my insurance card, for which Med Express billed $45.00! The "negotiated" rate came to $37 which it turns out my insurance won't cover. Such a ripoff! Why should the charge for a shot be $15.00 higher if Med express bills insurance? I'm going to appeal this charge.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Flu Shot
Amount: $31.99
Posted by: Rachel T in Pekin, IL.Posted: November 8th, 2014 06:11PM
Location: Walgreens Pekin ILInsurance Carrier: self pay
Family of 3 was $96. They asked what insurance & When I said who I had they said, "Cash price then?" So they already knew my carrier (First Choice) did not cover the shots?
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Walgreens in North TX
Amount: $31.99
Posted by: Tex Girl in Allen, TX.Posted: November 6th, 2014 10:11AM
Type of Policy: uninsured
Much less painful and less costly than influenza!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
flu shots
Amount: $80.00
Posted by: a user in Palmyra, PA.Posted: November 5th, 2014 09:11AM
Location: UPSInsurance Carrier: Blue Cross Blue Shield
Type of Policy: UPS
Flu shots are not covered, period, even if you are 65 or over.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Flu shots
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: T. in Oak Harbor, WA.Posted: October 17th, 2013 02:10PM
Location: Island Drug PharmacyInsurance Carrier: Regency Blue
Type of Policy: FEP
Both my wife and I got the shot. Medicare covered mine, and Regency Blue Cross of Seattle WA. covered hers.
We have gotten the shots for years now and they have been completely covered by our insurance.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Flu shot
Amount: $15.00
Posted by: George Eager in Charlottesville, VA.Posted: September 27th, 2013 05:09PM
Location: Waynesboro VAInsurance Carrier: Horizon Blue Cross / BS
Type of Policy: Family
Paid the same $15 co-pay as always, and got flu shot, blood work, and consult with my doc about a rash. My insurance is NJ State Retirees plan and I am so glad I've got it!Thank you, NJ taxpayers & Gov Christy!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Cherokee, AL Clinic
Amount: $83.00
Posted by: lilyred in Cherokee, AL.Posted: April 4th, 2013 11:04AM
Location: Cherokee, ALInsurance Carrier: Coventry Healthcare
Got flu shot in NP office, charged me $30 cash and bill my ins. $53, which they paid. I thought I was paying for the shot, dumb me. THey billed the ins., also. Will go to drug store and pay cash next time.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Price Chopper Pharmacy - not covered by NYSHIP Empire Plan
Amount: $30.00
Posted by: BetsyB in Plattsburgh, NY.Posted: January 22nd, 2013 05:01AM
Location: Plattsburgh, NYInsurance Carrier: NYSHIP Empire Plan
Type of Policy: PPO
It would have been covered at the doctor's office, but I don't believe they offer it because it needs specific storage. Why doesn't health insurance cover vaccines from the pharmacy?
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
In all seriousness
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: marcus starman in overland park, KS.Posted: January 21st, 2013 01:01AM
Location: NoneInsurance Carrier: Self
Type of Policy: Self
From the top of this page: The flu shot contains inactive virus for the three strains of influenza expected to be most common that year.

"Expected"...wow in the world is that calculated?

Also, from the CDC site the article points to: How effective is the flu shot?
The ability of a flu vaccine to protect a person depends on the age and health status of the person getting the vaccine, and the similarity or match between the viruses or virus in the vaccine and those in circulation.

Translation: we have no idea how effective it is.

Nice.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Novant Medical Group - with BCBS-NC
Amount: $75.00
Posted by: Henry B in Charlotte, NC.Posted: January 17th, 2013 02:01PM
Location: Novant Medical GroupInsurance Carrier: BCBS of NC
Have two children - got their flu shots for $26 a piece, then was charged a fee of $49 a piece for some medical coding you can't even make out. Novant Medical Group - once again sticking it to the public!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Low Cost Flu Shot
Amount: $123.00
Posted by: Lori K-M in Sparks, NV.Posted: January 17th, 2013 01:01PM
Location: Walmart Clinic Sparks NVInsurance Carrier: CIGNA
Type of Policy: Open Access
St. Mary's clinic inside Walmart offered $27 shots in October. Offered to pay cash, they insisted on using my insurance. Paid $25 copay. Insurance company was billed $76 to give me the shot, $47 for the shot itself. Both denied. So now I have a bill from St. Mary's for $123. And I still got the flu.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Flu Shot
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Cutiepie in West Hollywood, CA.Posted: January 15th, 2013 09:01AM
Location: Target West HollywoodInsurance Carrier: Anthem
Type of Policy: HMO
Free flu shot with Anthem HMO at Target but they do not administer the shot for kids under 9 years old.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Flu Shot - No Insurance
Amount: $25.00
Posted by: TomD in Garner, NC.Posted: January 13th, 2013 08:01PM
Location: Nextcare Urgent CareInsurance Carrier: None
Type of Policy: None
Nextcare Urgent Care Centers offers the flu shot for $25. I don't have insurance but they do accept a number of health plans. Limited locations in only the following states - AZ, CO, NC, OH, OK, TX, & VA
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Hong Kong / Matilda Hospital Outpatient
Amount: $34.70
Posted by: a user in Hong Kong, Other.Posted: January 12th, 2013 02:01AM
Location: Hong KongInsurance Carrier: none
The cost of the vaccine was $21.93 and the other bit was for the procedure.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
flu shot
Amount: $50.00
Posted by: jdem615 in Auburn, AL.Posted: January 10th, 2013 11:01AM
Location: Auburn Ped. and Adult MedInsurance Carrier: Medicare
I can't believe they charged 20.00 for the shot, which that was okay.They charged 30.00, more than the shot itself just for injecting it!!! They did not even tell me about that charge!! Thank goodness I didn't let them give me a shot for pain!! I can only imagine what that would have been. SOOOOO UNPROFESSIONAL not to foreclose this information to patients so they have a choice.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Cost of Flu Vaccination
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Ebenezer in Parsippany, NJ.Posted: January 9th, 2013 01:01PM
Location: Parsippany NJInsurance Carrier: None
Type of Policy: NA
I just walked out of the Walgreen Pharmacy in Parsippany New Jersey. They were going to charge me $ 37. I have no health insurance so cost is important to me.It is shameful that they take advantage of senior citizens.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam

Page 2 of 2   -   << Previous   1   2   



 

Comment On Your Experience With a Flu Shot
 
Subject:  *
Amount Spent:  *
Location: Insurance Carrier: 
Type of Policy:   
Comments: 
Purchased:  Year: 
City:  * State:  *
 
Information about you:
Email:  * Email addresses are not displayed.
Name:  This is the name we'll display with your post.
me on this computer
*=required field.
 



External Resources:
  1.  www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/flushot.htm
  2.  www.lung.org/lung-disease/influenza/flu-vaccine-finder/
More Health & Personal Care Topics
Check Out All Costs for Health & Personal Care How Much Do Eyeglasses Cost? How Much Do Botox Treatments Cost? How Much Does a Flu Shot Cost?

Search Thousands of Topics on CostHelper.com

 
Today's Featured Cost Articles

About CostHelper
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community
UTI urgent care visit
Paid: 147.00
Visit was $135. Antibiotics was $12. Waiting for four hours in the waiting room and the visit was quick... [more]
-nervouschomper
Urinary Tract Infection Treatment Cost
Spanish Medical Interpreter
Paid: 150.00
I worked with SynShyne Services out of Monroe, NC. They were so worth the price! Professional, friendly, accurate, great attitude and always on time. I recieved an itemized report after every contact and a user friendly invoice weekly... [more]
-Gregory Richardson
Interpreter Cost
Dat
Paid: 495.00
This is how much I am paying... [more]
-Calista Christian
Dental Admission Test Cost
Shingrix
Paid: 48.00
... [more]
-Not that BB
Shingles Vaccine Cost
Skin prick allergy test
Paid: 573.00
Took my 9 yr. old in after an allergic reaction to eggs. Several panels for nuts, fish & top 8 allergens. Sure enough, egg came up. Got a script for epinephrine and left... [more]
-D’s mom
Allergy Testing Cost
Estimate for Teeth Cleaning Cat
Paid: 0.00
13 year old cat …teeth extractions, X-rays, blood work, anesthetic, cleaning estimate 2 to 3 thousand... [more]
-Terrimarie
Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost