How Much Do Flu Shots Cost?
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Flu Shot Cost Summary
According to major news sources, the flu is hitting especially hard this season. Fortunately for consumers, the CDC has assured people that there is an adequate supply of flu vaccine for this year and that it is effective in either warding off or lessening the severity of the flu this year. For those still wanting to get a shot, prices vary from free to $30, with the average cost being $25. Pharmacies, urgent care centers, doctors’ offices and local health departments offer the vaccine. The American Lung Association offers a flu shot locator on their website, www.lung.org. Users enter their zip code to find locations nearest to their home or workplace.
Who Should Get the Shot?
While the CDC recommends that everyone over the age of six months get a flu shot, there are certain groups who are strongly urged to get a flu shot.
- Healthcare workers
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with immune system disorders
- Children
- Individuals over age 65
- Those caring for young children
- Individuals with heart or lung disease
Who Should Not Get the Shot?
There are some individuals who should avoid getting a flu shot. These include:
- Individuals with egg allergies since the vaccine is grown in eggs
- Individuals who have experienced an allergic reaction to the shot in the past
- Individuals who have a fever at the time of the shot
- Individuals with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome since the shot has been linked to this disease in the past
Side Effects
It is important to know that it is impossible to get the flu from the flu shot. However, some people do experience side effects that can produce flu-like symptoms. The most common side effects are:
- Soreness or redness at the injection site
- Low grade fever
- Aches
- Allergic reaction in very rare cases
Why the High Cost?
Unlike other vaccines, such as mumps or measles, the flu vaccine must be produced every year. Scientists have to research and guess which flu viruses will be prevalent during the next flu season. Then those viruses must be “isolated, purified and grown inside fertilized chicken eggs , then turned into millions of doses” of vaccine.
While a mumps vaccine can be used until its stated expiration date, flu vaccine has a limited shelf life. The vaccine becomes available in September and by February is generally thrown away; despite the fact it may be months from its actual expiration date.
Only a few drug companies make the flu vaccine. Those companies have to “guess” how many doses will be needed each year. If they underestimate, there will be a shortage of vaccine, possibly causing a panic. If they overestimate, the overage will be thrown away causing a financial loss for the drug company.
Payment Options
Many employers, particularly large employers or healthcare companies, provide flu shots for their employees free of charge. Most insurance companies cover the cost of the flu shot for children and Medicare the costs for covered individuals. For those not covered for free, many insurance plans will cover the shot with a co-pay of $10-$15.
Individuals who are not covered by insurance or for whom insurance does not cover the cost, there are options to lower the cost of the shot. Some urgent care locations offer the shot for $15 as a flat fee for those without coverage. Many pharmacies offer a shopping pass of 20% or 25% if the vaccine is not covered. Many local health departments will have free shot days open to anyone regardless of coverage.
There will always be individuals who choose not to get the annual vaccine. However, for those wanting to protect themselves and their friends and family from illness, the cost of a flu shot is a small price to pay to stay healthy.