How Much Does a Flu Shot Cost Without Insurance?
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 about $20 to $120 out of pocket.
Flu vaccines recommended for people aged 65 and older are more expensive than those for younger people.
Free and low-cost flu vaccines may be available from local health centers and state health departments for those who qualify. Otherwise, a free GoodRx discount coupon can help lower costs.
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Table of contents
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (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 2024-2025 flu season. Aside from age restrictions for specific vaccines, the CDC doesn’t recommend any one type of flu vaccine over another.
Most insurers cover the annual flu vaccine as preventive care, and often at no cost to the insured. That is the case for Medicare enrollees, many Medicaid enrollees, and people with coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces such as Healthcare.gov.
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However, about 10% of Americans are uninsured. Below, we break down the costs of different kinds of 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 about $20 to $120 out of pocket, depending on where you go and the kind of flu shot you get.
The three flu vaccines recommended for adults age 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 that provide free and low-cost flu shots (often specifically for those who don’t have insurance).
The Vaccines for Children 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
Do you have Medicare? You might receive coverage for your flu shot if you meet the requirements.
Are you 65 or older? Flu vaccines recommended for older adults are more expensive. Here’s what you might expect to pay.
Wondering if the flu shot really works? Get all the details on how the flu vaccine can protect you and others from serious illness.
Vaccines provided by Vaccines for Children (VFC) are free, but there may be an administration or office-visit fee. Contact your local VFC coordinator to find healthcare professionals who work with the program. Or, you can visit a public health clinic, federally qualified health center, or rural health clinic to get vaccines through VFC.
Local health centers
Local health centers may provide free or low-cost flu vaccines in addition to other primary healthcare services to vulnerable individuals, such as those in public housing or veterans.
You’ll have to check with your center about requirements for receiving free or low-cost flu shots because they can vary from place to place. For example, San Francisco offers free flu shots to those who are unable to afford the vaccine. Houston, on the other hand, provided shots to uninsured and underinsured people on a sliding pay scale, ranging from free to $15. The Texas Adult Safety Net Program provides vaccines to adults without insurance for a small fee, typically up to $25.
You can find local 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 otherwise afford the shot.
During the pandemic, the DuPage Health Coalition, an Illinois-based nonprofit, provided flu-shot vouchers to qualified families with low income.
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 doctor
Requirements will depend on your employer and program. For example, AECOM’s program provides free flu shots for employees and their partners at participating pharmacies between September and March. Employees who go to their provider can also get their children vaccinated for free but may owe a copay for the office visit.
State health departments
Another common option for free or low-cost shots is state health departments, which may set aside resources specifically for the flu vaccine or other shots.
For instance, the South Carolina Department of Health offers low-cost shots to uninsured people who are 19 or 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. You may want to 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 |
• Quadrivalent shot: $58.99 • 65+ flu shot: $108.99 20% discount for Walgreens Prescription Savings Club members | |
• Quadrivalent (standard vaccine): $68.99 • Standard vaccine (egg free) (Flublok): $115.99 • Fluzone High Dose or Fluad for adults 65+: $115.99 | |
• Afluria and Flucelvax: four-strain flu shot for ages 3 and up: $19.99 • Fluad for seniors: $59.99 Pricing reflects savings with the Costco Member Prescription Program discount card, which may vary by location. |
If you are 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
At H-E-B pharmacies, a standard quadrivalent flu vaccine generally costs around $40 without insurance, depending on location. If you're an older adult or need the high-dose flu shot, the cost may be around $80.
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 age 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 local health centers or your state health department, shopping around for a lower price and using a free GoodRx coupon can help you save on your flu vaccine costs.
Why trust our experts?
References
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Inactivated influenza VIS.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Vaccines for children (VFC) program: Information for providers.
Costco Pharmacy. (n.d.). Get immunized at your local Costco Pharmacy today!
CVS. (n.d.). No-cost flu shots for you and your family.
H-E-B Wellness Primary Care. (n.d.). H-E-B primary care pricing.
Health Resources & Services Administration. (2024). About health centers.
Health Resources & Services Administration. (2024). Health center program award recipients.
Health Resources & Services Administration. (2024). What is a health center?
Houston Health Department. (2023). The Houston Health Department encourages flu shots ahead of holiday gatherings.
San Francisco Department of Public Health. (2024). AITC services and prices.
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. (n.d.). Flu vaccine clinics.
Texas Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Adult safety net.
Tolbert, J., et al. (2023). Key facts about the uninsured population. KFF.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021). How to pay.
Walgreens. (n.d.). Get ahead of flu season.
Washington State Department of Health. (2020). Flu vaccine now available for uninsured adults at no cost.
