Your options for free and low-cost vaccines for EVERYONE

Flu season is upon us Americans (and people of the northern hemisphere) once again. The CDC recommends an influenza vaccine by the end of October to be protected this particularly bad flu season. 

The Affordable Care Act has increased the number of Americans with health insurance, and for those who have insurance, the shot is FREE at your doctor’s office and most pharmacies. 

For those who don’t have insurance? You have options! 

If you or your child is under 19 and you’re without insurance, you might qualify for the Vaccines for Children Program. They provide free childhood vaccines for children, including the flu shot. 

Contact your local health department and find out if they offer free or low-cost flu shots. My children’s doctors office, which is one of our county offices, keeps health department shots in stock there for just that purpose. It’s worth a web search or a phone call to find out which local offices have these free shots to offer. You will likely find all childhood vaccines are free to your children if you are in need. 

If you go to a pharmacy such as CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, a grocery store (with a pharmacy), or big box store you’re likely to find the shot is free with insurance. They may offer low-cost vaccines for those without insurance. Sometimes they even provide a gift card when you pick their store to get your flu vaccine! Bonus!

Your doctor, as well as urgent care centers, offer low-cost flu vaccines, and they will most likely be free with insurance. 

Lots of employers and schools offer free shots to their employees/students, so always check there first! 

No excuses, folks! You have options, and this year may be particularly bad and long. The flu can be deadly, and if you catch it, you will need to stay home and lose hours at work or school. 

The flu vaccine is important to your health and the health of others around you!