Getting a flu shot is definitely on my to-do list this fall. Same thing with my kids. With all this talk about the H1N1 flu virus, even if we can’t get that actual swine flu vaccine, I want to make sure that everyone in my family stays as healthy as possible. That’s also why we’re trying to drink more water, learning to sneeze into the crook of our arm–and tell everyone one we know to do the same–and keeping hand sanitizer with us at all time.
We’re lucky in that our health insurance allows us to get flu shots for a nominal fee–$15 co-pay for my husband and kids, but free for me since I’ve got asthma. Most years I remember to get my flu shot in November or December, and usually get sick during the winter at some point–not the flu but sick nonetheless. Last year I got my flu shot in early October, and it was the first winter I was illness-free. You can bet I’ll be getting my flu shot this year on the early side, too.
Maybe you’d like to get a flu shot this year but don’t have an affordable co-pay, can’t get in to see your doctor in time or just don’t have health insurance. That’s why I’ve gathered together some information on where you can go to get free and low-cost flu shots.
- You may be able to get a free flu shot at CVS Minute Clinics if the clinic is able to submit to your insurance company on your behalf. Even those who are uninsured may be able to qualify for a free flu shot at CVS Minute Clinics.
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Nevada is covering the H1N1 vaccine without co-pay or deductible for all health plan members. (No word on whether they’re extending this coverage to regular flu shots.)
- Big box stores are doing flu-shot clinics, too. You have to check this Walmart-affiliated website to find a flu shot clinic near you; prices vary by market. Target is supposedly offering flu shots as well. Though they charge $24 per shot, you may be able to have Target submit to your insurance company (like CVS above) and have the entire cost covered. Be sure to ask about that.
- Some hospitals and medical centers are offering walk-in flu shots–some for free.
- The week of October 5th, Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis is offering free flu shots; times vary with shots for kids and shots for adults. (I’m thinking I need to include this in my Freebie Friday listing this week!)
- In November, The Lehigh Valley Health Network in Allentown, PA, will be offering free drive-thru flu shots! (You don’t even have to get out of your car to get your shot!) Here are the locations and times: Saturday, Nov. 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown; and Sunday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Coca-Cola Park in Allentown. Note: you will need to fill out a consent form ahead of time. You can call 610-402-0825 or 610-402-0819 for more information.
- SuperValu Pharmacies nationwide are offering flu shots for $24.99 and many of these pharmacies will give you money off a purchase just for coming in to get that flu shot. You can use that money-off coupon on, among other things, getting a vaccine to prevent pneumonia, shingles, tetanus or meningitis. Not familiar with the SuperValu name? Well, maybe these names might ring a bell: Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme Sav-On, Albertson’s Sav-On, and Shop ‘N Save.
- Walgreens is offer flu shots for an affordable $24.99 at its in-store Take Care Clinics. Better yet the AARP Walgreens Wellness Tour is handing out $1 million worth of vouchers for free flu shots to uninsured adults. (See if the Wellness Tour bus, pictured here, is stopping at a location near you.)
If I’ve missed any flu-shot resources–or you know of other places offering free or low-cost flu shots, post a comment to share that resources with the other readers.
READ LEAH ON HOME GOES STRONG
Hello Leah,
Also wanted to share that Independence Blue Cross in southeastern PA is covering the administration of the H1N1 vaccine for all members.
Here is a link to our release for more info:
http://www.ibx.com/news_events/press_releases/2009/09_01_IBC_Takes_Steps_to_Prepa.html
That’s good to know. I have BCBS through NJ. I wonder if they’re offering similar coverage and/or coverage if you decide to get your flu shot at a pharmacy. That may be the option I have to use since my daughters’ pediatrician is already out of flu vaccine. Darn, should have called sooner!
Baltimore City offers free flu shots at immunization clinics.
Go to:
http://www.baltimorehealth.org/flu.html
Under “Get free flu shots for adults and children at the ACE Coalition Flu Clinics.”
Click on: “[September 2009 - December 2009]” for a schedule of where and when. I understand the shots are completely free (though geared toward seniors).
In New York City, the Duane Reade drug store chain is giving $24.99 flu shots. Find dates and store locations at http://www.hopstop.com/dr.
Thanks for sharing this resource.
I actually got my flu shot for free at my doctor’s office today, since I was there for another appointment anyway.
Leah
[...] free or low-cost flu shot is fine, no matter what the pandemic prognosis is. That’s why, like last year’s two posts on free and affordable flu shots, I’ve put together the following list of places you can go [...]