how much does a flu shot cost without insurance

A flu shot without insurance in the U.S. typically costs about 20 to 70 dollars for a standard vaccine , and 60 to 130 dollars for high‑dose or specialty versions like senior or egg‑free shots. Many big pharmacies fall in the 40 to 70 dollar range for a regular adult flu shot.
Typical price ranges
- Standard quadrivalent flu shot (most adults under 65): usually about 20 to 70 dollars out of pocket, depending on pharmacy and location.
- High‑dose or “senior” flu shots (65+): commonly around 60 to 130 dollars without insurance because they contain a higher antigen dose.
- Egg‑free options (like Flublok): often priced similarly to high‑dose shots, roughly 60 to 130 dollars.
What major pharmacies charge
- CVS: standard shots are often in the high‑60‑dollar range (for example, around 68.99 dollars), with high‑dose and egg‑free versions over 110 dollars.
- Walgreens: standard shots are usually in the high‑50‑dollar range, with senior doses just over 100 dollars.
- Walmart: standard flu shots can be in the mid‑40‑dollar range, while high‑dose shots are a bit over 110 dollars.
Ways to lower the cost
- Look for discount programs or coupons from drug‑pricing sites; these can cut the price of a standard shot closer to the low end of the 20 to 70 dollar range.
- Check public health clinics, community health centers, or local health departments ; many offer free or very low‑cost flu shots for people without insurance during flu season.
- Warehouse clubs (like Costco) may have some of the lowest cash prices if you have a membership.
Why prices vary
- Type of vaccine: high‑dose, adjuvanted, or egg‑free versions cost more to make and are priced higher.
- Where you go: retail pharmacies, urgent care centers, and doctor’s offices all use different pricing and administration fees.
- Region and season: local demand, contracts, and the current flu season (like the 2025–2026 season) can slightly shift cash prices year to year.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.