How much does a flu shot cost at CVS?
How much does a flu shot cost at CVS?
$75 standard flu shot (without insurance)
$103 high-dose flu shot for adults 65+ (without insurance)
CVS flu shot cost
The cost of a standard flu shot at CVS is $75 without insurance. The out-of-pocket cost for a high-dose flu vaccine for adults aged 65+ is $103. Flu shots are free at CVS with most health insurance plans. CVS updates its flu vaccines annually to protect you from the latest influenza strains.
| Flu vaccine | Average cost without insurance |
|---|---|
| Quadrivalent flu vaccine | $75 |
| Fluzone High Dose / Fluad (Adults 65+) | $103 |
| Flublok (egg-free) vaccine | $103 |
Most CVS MinuteClinic locations require you to book an appointment ahead of time for a flu vaccine.
Why get a flu shot?
The flu vaccine provides many benefits:
Though the flu shot doesn't completely eliminate your chance of catching the flu, it lowers your risk by up to 60%.
The flu shot significantly reduces the severity of the illness if you get the flu and minimizes your likelihood of requiring hospitalization.
Vaccination protects your family and others. Once your body builds immunity—typically within about two weeks of getting a flu shot—you can't spread the flu virus to other people.
What is the flu (influenza)?
The flu is a highly contagious viral infection in the lungs, nose, and throat. Symptoms of the illness include body aches, headache, fever, chills, cough, congestion, runny nose, and fatigue. The flu comes from the influenza virus, which mutates into multiple new strains every year.
CVS flu shot cost vs. Walgreens and other pharmacies
The table below shows the cost to get a flu shot without insurance at CVS and other large pharmacy chains.
| Pharmacy | Standard flu shot cost (without insurance) |
High-dose / Fluad flu shot cost (without insurance) |
|---|---|---|
| CVS / Target | $75.00 | $103.00 |
| Walgreens flu shot cost | $42.49 | $76.99 |
| Walmart flu shot cost | $83.06 | $99.04 |
| Costco (members only) | $19.99 | $46.99 |
CVS flu shot FAQs
When should I get my flu shot?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend getting a flu shot early in the fall before flu season begins. However, even if you're unable to get vaccinated early, getting vaccinated in November is still advisable for protection against the usual flu peaks in December and February.
Because influenza viruses are constantly changing, flu vaccine compositions are updated annually to protect against the latest strains.
Developing flu antibodies after vaccination takes your body up to two weeks.
Who should get a flu shot?
The CDC recommends annual flu vaccines for everyone aged 6 months and older. Getting a flu shot every season helps you avoid serious illness and stops others from catching it.
People in any of the following high-risk groups should get their flu shot early in the fall of each year:
Adults 65 years or older
Kids under 5 years old
Women who are pregnant or up to two weeks postpartum
Every resident of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other care facilities
Patients with compromised immune systems
Patients with chronic illnesses like heart, kidney, or liver disease, diabetes, or asthma
Is the flu vaccine safe?
The flu vaccine is safe because it contains dead, inactive strains of influenza that can't give you the flu. CDC research indicates the possible side effects are minor and typically limited to a mild fever or some muscle soreness.
According to the CDC, the flu kills between 12,000 and 61,000 people and hospitalizes another 140,000 to 800,000+ every year. Getting vaccinated significantly reduces your chance of hospitalization or death even if you still get the flu.
Are flu shots safe for pregnant women?
Flu shots are safe for pregnant women. The CDC strongly recommends that women who are pregnant get vaccinated, and millions of pregnant women have gotten a flu shot without incident.
What are the side effects of getting a flu shot?
Many people experience no side effects at all from the flu shot, and severe side effects are extremely rare.
Side effects of the flu vaccine are typically mild and resolve quickly, and may include:
Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
Muscle aches
Slight fever
What types of flu vaccines does CVS offer?
CVS offers the standard quadrivalent flu vaccine for individuals and a high-dose vaccine for those aged 65 and older. CVS also offers an egg-free version of the vaccine for people who are allergic.
Is the flu shot at CVS the same as the vaccine at my doctor's office?
Flu vaccine suppliers deliver millions of doses of the same vaccines to pharmacies and doctors' offices around America. The flu shot you receive at CVS contains the same vaccine offered by other providers.
What other steps can I take to prevent the spread of the flu?
In addition to getting your flu vaccination, follow these tips to protect yourself and others:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Cough or sneeze into a tissue, handkerchief, or the bend of your elbow to prevent spreading contaminants to your hands.
During flu season, wear a mask around crowds when in office buildings, schools, stores, and on public transportation.
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.