No Insurance? How to Get a Low-Cost or Free Flu Shot

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 $20 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.

The CDC recommends most people get a flu shot every year, starting at 6 months of age. That includes people who are pregnant at any stage.

There are nine flu vaccines available for the 2025-2026 flu season. Aside from age restrictions for specific vaccines, the CDC doesn’t recommend one flu vaccine over another.

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.

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 $20 to $130 out of pocket. The actual cost depends on where you go and the kind of flu shot you get.

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, like 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 I 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 must be under 19 years old and any of the following:

Uninsured
Underinsured
Medicaid eligible
American Indian
Alaska Native

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Vaccines provided by VFC are free, but there may be an administration or office fee. Contact your VFC coordinator 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. For example, San Francisco offers free flu shots to those who are unable to afford the vaccine. Houston provides shots to uninsured and underinsured people on a sliding scale, up to $15. The Texas Adult Safety Net Program provides vaccines to adults without insurance for a small fee, typically up to $25.

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.

During the pandemic, the DuPage Health Coalition, a nonprofit in Illinois, provided flu shot vouchers to qualified families with low incomes.

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. For example, AECOM provides free flu shots for employees and their partners at participating pharmacies. Employees who go to their provider can also get their children vaccinated for free but may owe a copay.

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.

For instance, the South Carolina Department of Health offers low-cost shots to uninsured people ages 19 and older. Children ages 6 months to 18 years old may be able to get a free shot.

A state health department may also partner with a private company or pharmacy to provide flu shots. Washington State did this in 2020.

With each of these options, be aware that vaccine supplies may be limited. Check availability.

How much do flu shots cost at pharmacies?

If you’re paying out of pocket, you may want to visit a pharmacy to get your flu vaccine. Many offer appointments or walk-in flu-vaccine clinics.

Here’s a sample of various flu vaccines and their prices at three common pharmacies. Prices and vaccine offerings may vary by location.

Pharmacy	Flu shot cost
Walgreens	Prices vary based on location
CVS	Trivalent (regular dose): $68.99 Flublok (egg-free) vaccine: $128.99 Senior dose: $128.99
Costco	Afluria and Flucelvax: three-strain flu shot for ages 3 and up: $21.99 Fluad for seniors: $61.99 Pricing reflects Costco Member Prescription Program savings, which may vary by location.

If you’re paying out of pocket for your flu vaccine, GoodRx can help you save money at participating pharmacies in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

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. For example, in the 2019-2020 flu season, vaccination prevented about 7 million illnesses, 100,000 hospitalizations, and 7,000 deaths in the U.S. 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 or egg-free 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 a 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 are more expensive than those recommended for younger people.

If you don’t qualify for free or low-cost options like those available through health centers and state health departments, shopping for a lower price and using a free GoodRx discount can help you save on your flu vaccine costs.

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Written by:

Devon Delfino

Devon Delfino is a freelance writer who holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Boston University. She specializes in personal finance, a topic she’s covered for 5 years.

Edited by:

Charlene Rhinehart, CPA

Charlene Rhinehart, CPA, is a personal finance editor at GoodRx. She has been a certified public accountant for over a decade.

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