You probably already know that it’s that time of year to start thinking about flu shots, but you might need some help finding an inexpensive way to get the vaccine.
As we move into the fall season, we will probably start seeing clinics offering free flu shots, in particularly for people who are unemployed, uninsured or in the high-risk category (including pregnant women, the elderly and children). You can often find out about these clinics through your local news station, by visiting your county’s website or through the Minnesota Department of Health flu clinic listing, which also lists the clinic’s price for the vaccine.
For those of you who don’t qualify for free flu shots, here are some options you have.
Flu Shots at Pharmacies
Most pharmacies (including those located in stores, such as Target and Walmart) offer the flu vaccine and many of them accept most insurance providers, which means there’s a good chance you can get the vaccine at no cost to you. So if you are planning to get your flu shot at a pharmacy, be sure to either call ahead and see if your insurance plan is accepted or bring your insurance card with you.
Without insurance, most pharmacies charge between $24 and $30 for the vaccine. The lowest cost flu vaccine I was able to find was at Target Pharmacy for $24.
Shopping Discounts
If you get your flu shot at CVS between now and the end of October, you will receive a 10% shopping pass afterwards. There’s also a rumor that participating Walgreens stores are giving 15% off your shopping trip passes for those who get a flu shot there. (Can anyone verify this?)
Non-Profit Clinics
If you would like the proceeds of your flu vaccine to go toward a good cause, the Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency (MVNA) is providing clinics throughout September at all Life Time Fitness metro-area locations and in October at all 20 Minnesota YMCA locations (as well as Hudson and River Falls, Wisconsin). All proceeds will help provide care to Minnesota families in need. MVNA is a non-profit agency and is the largest public health home visiting nurse service in Minnesota. You can find clinic dates and times here.
Your turn: Where do you go to get your flu shot and what other discounts do you know of?
I would like to know how people weigh in on the flu shot. After reading up on the flu shot a few years ago I have had very strong feelings about being unwilling to put the chemicals into my kids or my own bodies. Anyone else looked into this as well?
As a public health nurse I must express to you that not vaccinating puts others in danger. People die every year from the flu, and while it may not be us or our kids who die, it is our kids who *spread* the disease to the elderly who *do* die from it even if that elderly person has received a shot (it is not nearly as effective in older people as it is in younger people).
I am pregnant and will absolutely be getting one (or two if H1N1 comes separately) for myself and my 2 year old. I am unwilling to contribute to others’ deaths because of unproven fear.
My personal thoughts on “chemicals” are that we are exposed to many more chemicals through our everyday lives than we are through vaccines which save lives. Studies have found that babies in their first year of life are exposed to more mercury through breastmilk than through all their vaccines combined. And think of all the cleaners, sealants, air pollutants,etc we expose ourselves to on a regular basis….many of which *have* been conclusively linked to health problems. In my opinion vaccines have been studied and we have come up empty handed when the real science comes down to it. It’s time to look onward.
Also be aware that most years there is no thimerisol in the vaccine liscensed for children under two years of age. Thimerisol-containing vaccine is typically only liscensed for those over age 2, and often for those over age 6. Either way, you can request a thimerisol-free vaccine from your healthcare provider if you are still concerned.
I am no longer in MN, but I am so glad you mentioned MVNA Carrie! So wonderful and such a great cause!!!
The lowest price I found on flu shots was at Costco. It’s only $20. You do NOT have to be a member (you can use the pharmacy or liquor store at any membership club without a membership). Unfortunately you have to go when they offer it. They list dates on their website. Usually Sam’s Club offers it for the same price but I didn’t look them up this year.