With the 2025 flu season well underway, many Americans are asking a simple but important question: ‘How much does a flu shot cost if you don’t have health insurance?’
Public health officials continue to urge annual influenza vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older, but for the uninsured, out-of-pocket prices can vary widely.
For most people with health insurance, the flu vaccine is free or covered at no cost through in-network providers as a preventive care benefit under current US healthcare rules. That includes coverage for many private plans, Medicare Part B and Medicaid, The Economic Times reported.
What’s the cost of vaccine if someone doesn’t have a health insurance?
For the tens of millions of Americans without health coverage, the cost of getting a flu shot can depend on where you go and what type of vaccine you receive. According to experts and price guides, standard flu shots typically range from about $20 to $70 out of pocket at retail pharmacies, urgent care clinics or community health centres. More advanced formulations, such as high-dose vaccines for adults aged 65 and older often cost more, sometimes reaching up to about $130 without insurance, GoodRx reported.
According to USA Today, patients paying without insurance, voucher or third-party discount card, can access flu vaccines for the following prices –
Standard vaccine (Trivalent): $74.99
Egg-free standard vaccine, limited availability (Flublok): $125.99
Adults 65+ vaccine (Fluzone HD, Fluad): $125.99
These costs can fluctuate based on local pricing, demand and whether a pharmacy offers promotions or accepts discount programs. Some retailers and clinics may also provide discount cards or coupons through services like GoodRx or SingleCare that lower the out-of-pocket cost.
What about people with very limited income?
For people with very limited income or no insurance, there are still several options for lower-cost or free vaccines. Local public health departments, federally qualified health centres and seasonal flu clinics often offer vaccines at no charge or on a sliding scale, especially during peak flu season, according to Health.com