How to Find CVS Flu Vaccine Appointments Near You

You can schedule a vaccine appointment online with any CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic location. Scheduling an appointment online will let you answer preliminary screener questions and enter your insurance information or GoodRx coupon, so you can be in and out even faster.

If you decide you would rather get your flu vaccine while you’re already out of the house, walk-ins are welcome. You can find the nearest CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic by using their online store locator. Applications like Google Maps and Apple Maps work well too.

How much does a flu shot cost at CVS?

There are many ways to receive a flu vaccine at no out-of-pocket cost to you. If you have commercial insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare, your plan will likely fully cover your vaccination.

There are also other ways to save on CVS flu vaccines. Prices may vary, but if you don’t have insurance or you’re underinsured, GoodRx can help you save:

• FluMist: $32.65

• Fluarix: $27.04

• Fluzone: $27.42

• Afluria: $28.95

• Flublok: $88.00

• Flucelvax: $39.99

• FluLaval: $27.04

• Fluad: $50.00

• Fluzone High-Dose: $88.00

Keep in mind: Not all CVS locations carry every flu vaccine. They typically just carry a few brands at a time. Your local CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic can tell you what they currently have in stock.

CDC recommendations for the flu shot

Flu shot best practices can change from year to year. Here are the highlights of current recommendations:

• The CDC recommends that everyone age 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine. This includes pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Rare exceptions include young infants and people who are allergic to certain ingredients in the vaccine.

• Your flu shot boosts your chances of staying healthy throughout the flu season. But it also lowers your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, or death if you do develop the flu.

• There are several types of flu shots to fit your needs. Some provide more protection for people ages 65 and older, and there are egg-free versions for people with egg allergies. Your immunizer will determine which flu vaccine is best for you. 

• You can avoid a shot altogether by getting the vaccine as a nasal spray (called FluMist). Keep in mind that there are more restrictions with the nasal spray, and it may be harder to find. Though, if you have commercial insurance, you can order FluMist for at-home use.

• Parents and caregivers should receive a flu shot to help protect high-risk children and infants who aren’t able to receive the vaccine.

For more information on the benefits of getting your flu shot, check out the CDC's full guide.

Prepare for flu season

Even though the flu season happens every year, it’s normal to feel like it creeps up on us. Thankfully, there are things you can remember and steps you can take to be well prepared.

• Do your best to plan ahead. It takes about 2 weeks after your flu shot for the vaccine to be fully effective.

• Flu season is unpredictable. It can begin as early as October and can last as late as May. Flu activity tends to peak in December, January, and February.

• Aim to get your flu shot in early-to-mid autumn. It’s best practice to receive a flu shot before the end of October. But any time is the right time to get your shot. Getting a flu vaccine is still beneficial as long as flu viruses are circulating, even if you get the shot in January.

• The flu shot is safe. But there are still some flu shot side effects to expect shortly after getting your vaccine, including pain or redness where you received the vaccine. Headache, muscle aches, and nausea are also possible.

• There are ways to help prevent the flu on your own. Washing your hands with soap and water, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and covering your mouth and nose when sneezing are all best practices to help prevent the flu.

• Antiviral flu medicines are available when needed. They’re most effective when started within 48 hours (2 days) of developing flu symptoms (or being exposed to someone with the flu).

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• No insurance? Here’s how much a flu shot may cost out of pocket.

• The best flu vaccine for you: Pharmacists review the available flu vaccines and how effective they might be.

• Does the flu vaccine work? Physicians detail how flu vaccinations work and why they’re beneficial for nearly everyone.

Why should you get vaccinated at CVS?

You can conveniently receive flu vaccines at most U.S. pharmacies. But there are a few reasons you may want to choose a CVS flu shot:

• Many convenient locations: With thousands of locations across all 50 states — plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico — you’ll likely be able to find a location near you.

• Take your whole family to be vaccinated at one place: Be sure to check the requirements for your state, but in many places, children age 3 years and older can be vaccinated at a CVS Pharmacy location. Children 18 months (1.5 years) or older can be vaccinated at MinuteClinic locations.

• Trained staff: CVS immunizers at the pharmacy and MinuteClinic are happy to answer your questions as well as provide vaccine recommendations.

• Savings: After your vaccination, you can get a $10 off $20 coupon for the next time you shop at CVS (while supplies last).

• A sanitary space: CVS is committed to helping you stay healthy when you visit. You can expect regular cleaning of hard surfaces and frequently handled items, disinfectant wipe stations for your cart or basket, and protective panels at pharmacy counters.

• Recordkeeping: Your vaccination history is available and accessible at CVS. This is especially helpful if you receive vaccines there every year.

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Written by:

Elizabeth Davis

Elizabeth Davis was GoodRx’s first medical editor and consumer savings expert. She hand-assembled the GoodRx drug database and researched virtually every available discount program and savings opportunity available at the time.

Edited by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

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