Key takeaways:
The cost of a flu shot without insurance will depend on where you go and the kind of shot you need. But it typically ranges from $25 to $130 out of pocket.
Flu vaccines for people ages 65 and older are more expensive than those for younger people.
Free and low-cost flu vaccines may be available from health centers and state health departments for those who qualify. Otherwise, a free GoodRx discount can help lower costs.
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It's recommended for everyone who can to get a flu vaccine once a year in the fall. That includes children ages 6 months and older, as well as pregnant women.
There are nine flu vaccines available for the 2026-2027 flu season. Aside from age restrictions for specific vaccines, one flu vaccine isn't recommended over others.
Most insurers cover the annual flu vaccine as preventive care, often at no cost to the insured. That’s the case for Medicare enrollees, many Medicaid enrollees, and people with coverage through an Affordable Care Act marketplace.
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But about 10% of Americans are uninsured. Below, we break down the costs of different flu vaccines and show you ways to save money if you’re paying out of pocket.
How much do flu shots cost if you don’t have insurance?
For people who don’t have health insurance, the flu vaccine can range from $25 to $130 out of pocket. The actual cost depends on where you go and the kind of flu shot you get.
Here's the average retail cost for eight of the 2026-2027 flu vaccines without insurance:
Fluad: $142.11
Fluarix: $67.76
Flublok: $128.30
Flucelvax: $96.48
FluLaval: $39.40
FluMist (nasal spray flu vaccine): $36.18
Fluzone: $55.46
Fluzone High-Dose: $142.12
The three flu vaccines recommended for adults ages 65 and older are more expensive than those recommended for younger people. And there may be other costs, such as an administration fee, on top of that. So it’s important to understand your options if you want to keep costs down during flu season.
Where can you get a free or low-cost flu shot?
Depending where you live, there may be several options for free and low-cost flu shots. (These are often specifically for those who don’t have insurance.)
The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program
To qualify for this federally funded program, a child or teen must be under 19 years old and any of the following:
Uninsured
Underinsured
Medicaid eligible
American Indian
Alaska Native
Vaccines provided by VFC are free, but there may be an administration or office fee. Contact your state or local health department to find healthcare professionals who work with the program. Or visit a public health clinic, federally qualified health center, or rural health clinic to get vaccines through VFC.
Local health centers
Health centers provide primary healthcare services to vulnerable individuals, such as those in public housing and veterans. They may also provide free or low-cost flu vaccines. Check with a center about requirements for receiving free or low-cost flu shots; they can vary.
You can find health centers through the Health Center Program website.
Nonprofit organization voucher programs
Nonprofit organizations may provide vouchers for free or low-cost flu shots. Requirements likely will vary from program to program. But these are typically meant for those who cannot afford the shot.
Employer voucher programs
Your employer may also offer vouchers that can be used to pay for flu shots. Depending on the program, you may redeem vouchers for a free flu shot at:
On-site workplace vaccination clinics
A participating pharmacy
An in-network healthcare professional
Requirements will depend on your employer and program.
State health departments
Another common option for free or low-cost shots is state health departments. These may set aside resources for the flu vaccine or other shots. A state health department may also partner with a private company or pharmacy to provide flu shots.
For instance, the South Carolina Department of Health offers low-cost shots to uninsured people ages 19 and older. Children and teens ages 6 months to 18 years old may be able to get a free shot.
With this option, be aware that vaccine supplies may be limited. Check availability.
How can you save on flu vaccines at the pharmacy?
GoodRx can help you save on you flu vaccine at the pharmacy. Savings depend on your location, your pharmacy, and the vaccine you receive.
Here's how much the 2026-2027 flu vaccines may cost at pharmacies in your area with a free GoodRx coupon:
Fluad: As low as $92.00
Fluarix: As low as $27.62
Flublok: As low as $92.00
Flucelvax: As low as $39.99
FluLaval: As low as $27.62
FluMist (nasal spray flu vaccine): As low as $33.40
Fluzone: As low as $55.46
Fluzone High-Dose: As low as $142.12
You may be able to save even more on flu vaccines with a GoodRx Companion subscription. Over 250 prescription and over-the-counter medications are available for free, with hundreds more for under $10. The program also includes benefits to help you cut your self-pay costs, such as lower prices for online care visits, discounts on dental care, and other health services.
Frequently asked questions
The flu shot is recommended each year because it lowers your risk of getting the flu and can make symptoms less severe if you do get sick. Its effectiveness can change from season to season, but it consistently helps prevent complications and hospital stays. Getting vaccinated each year also helps protect people around you, especially those at higher risk of serious illness.
The price of a flu shot can vary based on your insurance coverage, the type of vaccine, and where you get it. Pharmacies, clinics, and medical offices may charge different prices. Some vaccines, such as high-dose versions, can cost more. If you have health insurance, your flu shot is usually covered at no cost. People without insurance may need to pay out of pocket. But there are discounts and coupons that can sometimes lower the price.
The flu shot is recommended in September or October or about two weeks before flu season begins in your area. Getting it during this time helps ensure you stay protected throughout flu season. If you get the shot in July or August, your protection may not last the entire season. Even if you miss the fall window, it’s still worthwhile to get vaccinated later. A pharmacist or other healthcare professional can help you determine the best time.
The flu shot is recommended each year because it lowers your risk of getting the flu and can make symptoms less severe if you do get sick. Its effectiveness can change from season to season, but it consistently helps prevent complications and hospital stays. Getting vaccinated each year also helps protect people around you, especially those at higher risk of serious illness.
The price of a flu shot can vary based on your insurance coverage, the type of vaccine, and where you get it. Pharmacies, clinics, and medical offices may charge different prices. Some vaccines, such as high-dose versions, can cost more. If you have health insurance, your flu shot is usually covered at no cost. People without insurance may need to pay out of pocket. But there are discounts and coupons that can sometimes lower the price.
The flu shot is recommended in September or October or about two weeks before flu season begins in your area. Getting it during this time helps ensure you stay protected throughout flu season. If you get the shot in July or August, your protection may not last the entire season. Even if you miss the fall window, it’s still worthwhile to get vaccinated later. A pharmacist or other healthcare professional can help you determine the best time.
The bottom line
If you don’t have health insurance, the cost of a flu shot can vary widely, depending on where you go and the kind of shot you need. Flu vaccines recommended for adults ages 65 and older can be more expensive than those recommended for younger people. If you have insurance, you'll likely be able to get the flu vaccine at no cost.
If you don’t qualify for free or low-cost options like those available through health centers and state health departments, using a free GoodRx discount can help you save on your flu vaccine costs.
Why trust our experts?
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026). About the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026). Health department directories.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026). Vaccines for children (VFC) program: Information for parents.
Health Resources & Services Administration. (n.d.). Find a health center.
Health Resources & Services Administration. (2024). Health center program award recipients.
Health Resources & Services Administration. (2025). What is a health center?
South Carolina Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Where can I get the flu vaccine?
Tolbert, J., et al. (2026). Key facts about the uninsured population. KFF.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2026). How to pay.
