Key takeaways:
You can get a flu vaccine at all Walgreens Pharmacy locations. You can make an appointment in advance or walk in at your convenience.
There are different flu shot formulations available, including high-dose and egg-free options. Your pharmacist can help you choose the best flu shot for your needs.
You can get a free Walgreens flu shot with most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. If you don’t have coverage, GoodRx can help you save with a free discount card.
Save on related medications
You can schedule a Walgreens flu vaccine appointment online with any Walgreens Pharmacy. Scheduling an appointment will let you answer screening questions and enter your insurance or GoodRx coupon information in advance, so you can be in and out faster. You can also schedule a vaccine appointment by calling your local pharmacy or 1-800-WALGREENS (1-800-925-4733).
If you decide to get your flu vaccine while you’re already out and about, walk-ins are also welcome. Find your nearest Walgreens or visit the Walgreens flu page for more information.
Why should you go to Walgreens for a flu shot?
Walgreens offers both pre-scheduled and walk-in flu vaccinations. Here are just a few of the reasons to get vaccinated at Walgreens:
Many convenient locations: With thousands of locations across all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can easily find a location near you.
Earn discounts on in-store purchases: With MyWalgreens, you can get a coupon for 20% off an upcoming purchase. The maximum discount per coupon is $20.
Take your whole family to be vaccinated at one place: Walgreens offers flu shots for anyone ages 3 years and older in most states.
Trained immunizers: Your flu shot will always be given by a licensed pharmacist, pharmacy intern, or trained technician in all Walgreens pharmacies.
Stay up to date on all of your vaccinations: Your Walgreens pharmacist can help make sure you’re getting all the vaccines appropriate for you and your family’s needs.
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Can you get a free flu shot at Walgreens?
There are many ways to receive a flu vaccine at no out-of-pocket cost. If you have commercial insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare, your plan will likely fully cover your vaccination. Veterans and those with coverage through the Affordable Care Act are also eligible to receive a free flu shot at participating pharmacies.
There are also other ways to save on 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: $45.00
FluLaval: $27.04
Fluad: $50.00
Fluzone High-Dose: $88.00
If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get a free flu vaccine at your local health center or through your state health department. Free vaccinations for children and teens under the age of 19 are also available through the Vaccines for Children program.
Keep in mind: Not all Walgreens locations carry every flu vaccine. They typically just carry a few brands at a time. Your local Walgreens Pharmacy can tell you what they currently have in stock.
When to get your flu shot
The flu season is unpredictable. It can begin as early as October and last as late as May. And it takes about 2 weeks after your flu shot for the vaccine to be fully effective. So it’s best to get your flu shot in September or October, according to the CDC.
Good to know: It’s fine to get a flu shot well after flu season has started. Getting a flu shot is still beneficial as long as flu viruses are circulating, even into January and beyond.
CDC recommendations for the flu shot
The CDC recommends that most people ages 6 months and older get a flu vaccine. This also applies if you’re pregnant, 65 years and older, or have a weakened immune system.
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.
The CDC also recommends:
Parents and caregivers in particular need a flu shot to help protect children and care receivers who may be at a higher risk for flu-related complications.
Your flu shot doesn’t just increase the odds that you’ll stay well during the flu season. Being vaccinated against the flu also reduces your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, or death if you do catch it.
Getting vaccinated can also reduce the risk for those around you in your community — especially infants that can’t be vaccinated yet, older people, and people living with chronic illnesses.
There are several types of flu vaccines available to fit your needs. Some provide more protection for people ages 65 and older. And some are egg-free for people with allergies.
If you’re eligible, you can avoid a needle altogether by getting the flu vaccine as a nasal spray (called FluMist). You can receive it at certain pharmacies, and you can also order it for at-home administration (if you have commercial insurance).
What else to know
Here’s a few more things to keep in mind as you schedule your Walgreens flu shot:
You can return to normal activities after your flu shot. But you may want to avoid intense exercise or sports for a day or so.
It’s normal to have side effects such as a sore arm, low fever, or headache after a flu shot. You may also feel more tired than usual. But you should be back to normal in a day or two. These are all just signs your immune system is responding to the vaccine. It’s not possible to get the flu from a flu shot.
Your flu shot should protect you for about 5 to 6 months. The immunity from a flu shot starts to wear off after that point. This is one reason why you need a flu shot every year.
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Frequently asked questions
Vaccines at Walgreens aren’t usually free unless they’re covered by an insurance plan, such as Medicare, Medicaid, or a commercial plan. If you’re paying out of pocket, GoodRx and other savings tools can help make your vaccines more affordable.
Walgreens offers a wide range of vaccines, including flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 vaccines. It also offers vaccines for shingles, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human papillomavirus (HPV), among several others. Pharmacists can recommend vaccines based on your age, vaccine history, and medical history. You can get vaccinated by walk-in or appointment at Walgreens pharmacies nationwide.
Vaccines at Walgreens aren’t usually free unless they’re covered by an insurance plan, such as Medicare, Medicaid, or a commercial plan. If you’re paying out of pocket, GoodRx and other savings tools can help make your vaccines more affordable.
Walgreens offers a wide range of vaccines, including flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 vaccines. It also offers vaccines for shingles, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human papillomavirus (HPV), among several others. Pharmacists can recommend vaccines based on your age, vaccine history, and medical history. You can get vaccinated by walk-in or appointment at Walgreens pharmacies nationwide.
The bottom line
You can receive a flu shot at all Walgreens Pharmacy locations. Walgreens flu vaccine appointments are available online, but walk-ins are also welcome. Talk to your pharmacist about which flu shot is best for you as there are several different types to choose from. You can also make sure you’re up to date on your other vaccines while you’re there.
Why trust our experts?
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Benefits of the flu vaccine.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Who needs a flu vaccine.
