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I’m sad to say that it is almost flu season. Ads for flu shots have been popping up everywhere, so I compared prices and offers to find the best deal for you. The new trend is one shot that combines the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccination. The CDC has shared basic facts about the flu shot and is recommending everyone over six months get one starting in September.
Costco – Shots are $20 and include the flu and H1N1 vaccination. You do not have to be a member to get a shot, just tell the ID checker that you are going to the pharmacy. Shots are not administered everyday, however, so make sure to check the flu shot schedule.
CVS – Get a 10% off coupon good through Oct. 31, 2010 when you get your flu shot at CVS. The shot is $30.
Walgreens – Shots are $29 but include the flu and H1N1 vaccination.
Rite Aid – Shots are $25.
Target – Shots are $24, and one reader told me that if you get your flu shot at Target they give you a $10 gift card. I have no idea if that is true, however.
Vons – Shots are $30 and you’ll get a 10% off coupon for your groceries valid the day you get pricked.
Doctor’s office – Prices vary, and depending on your co-pay you might be better off going to one of the above retailers.
HR – Many companies have nurses come in to prick employees, for free or at cost. Check your Human Resources department for details.
If you are uninsured or low-income, you may be able to get a free flu shot through CVS,
Thanks, Tina!
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price. 
If you are a member of Kaiser all flu shots are FREE. Just call your local Kaiser Hospital to see when their flu shot clinic is open. While you are there they check your member id card to see if you need any other immunizations and they give you those too…all for free!
Not sure if you meant to imply that all flu shots are not alike,(as in the Walgreen’s blurb) but this year they *all* provide H1N1 protection. If you got the H1N1 shot last year, you are not still “covered”. I did my flu shot at CVS as a walk-in, it was basically painless and this is the earliest I’ve ever been able to take care of it.
If you’ve ever had the flu, the real flu which knocks you flat on your back for two weeks or more, you would get your flu shots forevermore. Sickest I’ve ever been in my life.
Check your health insurance coverage too. After a couple of years of paying for my flu shots I learned that shots are 100 percent reimbursed by my insurance. Even if I haven’t met my deductible.
As a Registered Nurse, I love to see you supporting community health by blogging about the influenza vaccines. Our great grandmother died in the influenza epidemic of 1918 and today we have a vaccination. The flu still kills people every year, especially the elderly and those with stressed immune systems, like pregnant women. You wrote that “everyone over 6 months should get one” and that includes pregnant ladies! The CDC recommends that all pregnant women are vaccinated against the flu which through breastfeeding is the only way the newborn will gain protection from the virus it will encounter when it is born. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/preg-guide.htm#flu1
Second to being vaccinated annually, washing your hands is the best way to remain healthy. Staying healthy must be at the top of someone’s list as one of the best ways to save money.
Thanks BargainBabe for blogging about something near and dear to my nurse’s heart!
Love,
your NY sis
I waited for an hour for a flu shot at the Tarzana Walgreens, where a sign outside stated “Walk-ins Welcome for Flu Shots”. After an hour, I left. Will get my flu shot elsewhere.
I also had a problem at Walgreens–Went by around 11am, was told no on was available to give the shots until after 1pm. Went by again at 3:30pm was told person that gives the shots was on a lunch break. Went by a bit later and got the shot. The only reason I didn’t go elsewhere is that this Walgreens was a block from my house. So call Walgreens first before just dropping by.
I’ve gotten my shots at Costco the past few years, but the line last year was horrendous. I plan to check with the Target near me to find out their policy, as well as whether the $10 gift card is legit, or just a rumor. I’ll let you know if it’s genuine.
Because my regular doctor’s office did not yet have flu shots, I went in this morning (a Wednesday) to the Rite Aid in Valley Village right when the pharmacy opened at 9 a.m. No one else was in line. After filling out two forms and for the computers to get up and running, I got the flu/H1N1 shot for $24.99. I was out of the place by 9:28 a.m., and it was only $4.99 more than what I paid at my dr. last year.
@Valley Girl Glad you got the shot! I hope to get mine in the next two weeks.
You can get flu vaccine EVERY day at Minute Clinic by a Nurse Practitioner! How good is that. Minute Clinic is in selected CVS Pharmacys. $29.95 — most insurance accepted. Minimal waits. You can also receive treatment for minor illness or injury too. Check out their website! Can vaccinate 18 months and above.
I got my shot at Target. If you transfer or fill a new prescription, you get a gift card for $10. The flu shot doesn’t count as a new/transfer prescription.
The Target thing is true. I live in WA, got my flu shot and was impressed when they handed over the $10 giftcard. I wasn’t expecting that and it’s nice that they reimburse you partially for taking care of your own health.
I tried calling Target and Rite Aid and neither will do kids under 9. i’m trying to find somewhere that will take a 2 and 5 year old.