It may seem like flu season is never ending, and you're not wrong. The virus is present year-round, and flu cases pick up every October [1], leaving us to fend off the nasty bug for months after. Experts recommend getting the flu shot as early in the season [2] as possible, and luckily, there are many places that offer it at no cost.
Like doctors' offices and urgent cares, major pharmacies and grocery stores accept most medical insurance plans — and you won't need an appointment or have to suffer through a long line to get vaccinated. Keep reading for a list of the retailers offering free flu shots, and remember to check their guidelines on any age restrictions before you go.
- Walgreens/Duane Reade: Walgreens and Duane Reade offer flu shots that are free with most insurance [4] at their locations. You can find the location nearest you here [5].
- CVS: The pharmacy offers free flu shots for most folks with medical insurance coverage [6], and some stores even offer a $5 off $25 purchase when you get the shot. Many CVS pharmacies are inside Target stores, and the same deal applies to those locations as well. You can find the one nearest you here [7].
- Rite Aid: Rite Aid offers flu shots free with most insurances [8], and you don't need to make an appointment. You can find the location nearest you here [9].
- Walmart: Walmart offers free flu shots with most insurances [10]. You can find the store nearest you here [11].
- Costco: Costco offers the flu shot free under most insurances [12], and you don't need a Costco membership to go to the pharmacy. You can find the warehouse nearest you here [13].
- Sam's Club: Like Costco, Sam's Club offers free flu shots under most insurances [14] and doesn't require a membership to go to the pharmacy. You can find the warehouse nearest you here [15].
- Publix: The grocery store's pharmacies offer free flu shots covered under most insurances [16], as well as a $10 gift card for those who get the shot. You can find the store nearest you here [17].
- Stop & Shop/Giant/Martin's: Pharmacies inside Stop & Shop, Giant, and Martin's stores offer free flu shots with most insurances [18]. You can find the location nearest you here for Stop & Shop [19], Giant [20], and Martin's [21], respectively.
- Kroger: Kroger Pharmacy's flu shots are free for most of those with insurance coverage [22]. You can find the store nearest you here [23].
- Food Lion: Pharmacies inside Food Lion offer free flu shots with most insurances [24]. You can find the location nearest you here [25].