Written by

Kristen Cramer

September 3, 2024

Edited by

Sarah Noel

Fact-checked by

Jennifer Carlson

Walgreens flu shot cost

The cost of a flu shot at Walgreens is $58.99 without insurance for a standard quadrivalent vaccine. A senior flu shot—also called a high-dose flu vaccine—for adults aged 65+ costs $108.99 without insurance. Flu shots are free at Walgreens with most health insurance plans.

Benefits of getting a flu shot

Getting a flu shot offers many benefits:

• Getting vaccinated significantly reduces the severity of the illness if you catch the flu and decreases your risk of hospitalization and death.

• The flu shot won't completely eliminate your chance of catching the flu but lowers your risk by up to 60%.

• Getting vaccinated protects not just you but also your family and others. Once your body builds immunity two weeks after vaccination, you won't be able to spread the flu virus to other people.

What is the flu?

The flu is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. The illness affects the nose, throat, and lungs the most. Common symptoms include fever, chills, body aches, headache, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and congestion.

Walgreens flu shot cost vs. CVS and other pharmacies

The table below shows the cost of a flu shot without insurance at Walgreens compared to other major pharmacy chains.

Walgreens flu shot FAQs

When should I get my flu shot?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise getting vaccinated early in the fall before flu season begins. However, even if you can't get an early flu shot, the CDC recommends getting vaccinated in November to ensure you're protected before the flu peaks in December and February.

Influenza viruses mutate constantly. Vaccine manufacturers review the and update the vaccines every year to protect against the latest strains.

Who should get a flu shot?

The CDC recommends the flu shot for people aged 6 months and older. Getting vaccinated every year helps you avoid serious illness and limits the spread of the disease.

If you are in one of the following high-risk groups, get your flu shot early in the fall each year:

• Adults 65+ years old

• Children less than 5 years old

• Patients with compromised immune systems

• Those with chronic illnesses like diabetes, asthma, or diseases of the heart, kidneys, or liver

• Residents of assisted living facilities and nursing homes, regardless of your age

• Women who are pregnant or up to two weeks postpartum

What are the side effects of getting a flu shot?

The flu shot contains inactive strains of influenza that can't give you the flu, and many people experience no side effects at all from the shot. For those who experience them, side effects of the flu vaccine are typically mild and go away within two to three days.

Side effects can include:

• Soreness, swelling, or redness where the injection was given

• Muscle aches

• Low fever

Is the flu vaccine safe?

Yes, the flu vaccine is safe. CDC research shows minimal side effects. Getting a flu shot is far safer than catching the flu without being vaccinated because vaccination significantly reduces your chance of hospitalization or death.

The flu kills between 12,000 and 60,000+ unvaccinated people and hospitalizes another 140,000 to 810,000 people every year.

Is the Walgreens flu shot the same as the vaccine at my doctor's office?

Flu vaccine manufacturers distribute millions of doses of the same vaccines to doctors' offices and pharmacies around the United States. The flu shot offered by Walgreens contains the same vaccine offered by other healthcare providers.

Can I get a flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine on the same visit at Walgreens?

Yes, Walgreens can give your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine in the same visit if you schedule an appointment ahead of time.