About flu shots

How much is a flu shot?

Your flu shot may be free with medical insurance or Medicare Part B. There is no copayment unless required by your plan. We also accept cash, checks and credit cards for flu shot costs. Seasonal vaccine is $39.99.

High–dose vaccine is $69.99.

When should I get my flu shot?

The vaccine provides protection about 2 weeks after you receive it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting vaccinated each flu season as soon as you can. CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic recommend vaccinating once the flu shot is available in store.

Who should get a flu shot?

The CDC recommends a seasonal influenza vaccination every year for everyone 6 months and older. Age restrictions apply at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic®.

Who should NOT get a flu shot or should wait?

Some people should talk with a doctor first before getting a flu shot. They include: People who have a severe allergy to eggs.

People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.

People who have developed Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine.

People who have a moderate to severe illness or are feeling sick.

What are the side effects of getting a flu shot?

You might have some minor side effects after getting a flu shot, with symptoms including but not limited to: Soreness, redness or swelling of the skin where you got the shot.

Low–grade fever.

Body aches. If you feel any of these side effects, don't worry. You should feel better within 1 to 2 days. If not, please report any side effects to your pharmacist or MinuteClinic provider.

I got my flu shot and I still got sick with the flu. Why?

Flu vaccine effectiveness can vary from year to year as there are many different factors that can contribute to how well the vaccine reduces the risk of illness.

Is it safe to get a flu shot this year?

Yes. We have taken steps to ensure that our colleagues and all our customers, including seniors, feel safe during immunizations. That's why we have reduced the number of touchpoints in the process and implemented new guidelines in accordance with the CDC. For example, patients will be given a COVID-19 screening questionnaire and have their temperature taken prior to any immunization. They must also wear a face covering or mask (one will be provided, if needed). The pharmacist or MinuteClinic provider administering the immunization will be given special personal protection equipment (PPE), including a plastic face shield. A designated space was created for immunizations that will allow for adequate physical distancing and the immunization area will be sanitized between patients.

Will a flu vaccine protect me against COVID-19?

While the flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, it can reduce the risk of illness, hospitalization and death due to the potentially severe complications that may occur when someone has the flu.

Why should I get a flu vaccine if it does not protect me from COVID-19?

This season, it is likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be circulating at the same time. So it is more important than ever to get a flu vaccine in order to reduce risk from the flu and reduce the burden on our health care system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Who should get their flu vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic?

As always, flu vaccination is recommended for anyone 6 months and older. Our pharmacies are able to vaccinate patients as young as 3 years old, depending on state regulations. It is especially important to protect at-risk populations from severe illness during this time. This includes essential workers and those who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or serious flu-related complications such as adults 65 and older; residents in nursing homes or long-term care facilities; those with underlying medical conditions; infants or young children; and pregnant women.

Should I get a flu shot if I have suspected or confirmed COVID-19?

You should not receive any vaccines if you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19 until you are able to discontinue isolation, regardless of whether or not you have symptoms. If you are unsure of when you are able to discontinue isolation, contact your primary care provider.

If I was recently diagnosed with COVID-19, when can I receive the flu vaccine?

Patients should discuss vaccination timing with their Primacy Care Provider. They patients should postpone vaccinations until criteria for discontinuing isolation have been met using the time-/symptom-based strategy.

Can I still get a vaccine when if I have mild illness and a negative COVID-19 test?

Typically, it would be fine to receive a vaccine if you have a mild illness, like a sinus infection. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, patients should postpone vaccinations until symptoms have resolved, even if they received a negative test, as there have been reports of patients developing the disease after a negative test.

Can I call ahead to schedule a Flu Shot?

Yes. Customers may call ahead to the pharmacy to expedite the data entry process and provide a time they would like to come in to receive their vaccination.

How else can I schedule an appointment?

Patients can schedule an appointment with a MinuteClinic provider or CVS® pharmacist at MinuteClinic.com, through the CVS Pharmacy app or through direct SMS. Starting in September, CVS Pharmacy patients can text FLU to 2878982 8 7 8 9 8 and you will be brought to a digital immunization scheduler.

How are you making the process of getting your flu shot more efficient this year?

To reduce the number of touchpoints for both pharmacy teams and patients, CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations are implementing new processes that will make for a more effortless, accessible and safe experience, including the expansion of digital intakes, automated text messages and a digital portal.

How are you ensuring social distancing guidelines are met during the flu shot process?

From making appointments in advance and having pharmacy patients digitally provide necessary medical information and consent in advance, to requiring necessary PPE and sanitation products during the administration of the vaccine, CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations are ensuring that all staff, patients and outside customers are abiding by physical distancing guidelines and safety precautions.

Why is getting an annual flu shot one of the best ways to prevent getting the flu?

It's important to get the flu shot every year because the body's immunity response to the vaccine declines over time. Flu viruses can also alter from year to year, so receiving a new vaccine formulation is required to provide optimal protection. It takes up to two weeks for your immunity to build up after getting a flu shot, so the CDC recommends you get vaccinated as soon as flu vaccines become available. Getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and your family from catching the flu.

When are flu shots available? Do I have to make an appointment?

Flu shots are available at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations, including CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations found in Target, every day, including evenings and weekends, with no appointment needed. Those wishing to make an appointment may do so in advance at CVS.com® and MinuteClinic.com and through the CVS Pharmacy app.

Why get your flu shot at CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic?

Convenience is so important, especially if you're a parent, a working professional, or constantly on the go. In addition, with more than 76 percent of the U.S. population living within a 5-mile radius of a CVS Pharmacy and more than 9,900 locations nationwide, CVS Pharmacy is a one-stop shop for flu prevention resources, including over-the-counter cold and flu remedies, multivitamins and antibacterial cleaning products. Some settings that usually provide flu vaccines, like workplaces, may not offer vaccination this upcoming season, because of the challenges with maintaining physical distancing, further making CVS a safe, convenient option. You will receive a coupon for $5 off a $20 purchase when you get the flu shot in most states.

Types of flu shots

What is the difference between available flu shots?

Four–strain (quadrivalent) vaccine: protects against four different strains of flu virus.

Senior–dose vaccine: developed for people over 65 years old.

Both quadrivalent and senior–dose flu shots are available at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic.

Is one flu vaccine recommended over another?

The CDC doesn't recommend one vaccine over another. The important thing is to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Consult your local pharmacist or health care provider to learn about your options and which vaccination may be appropriate for you.

From what strains of the flu does the quadrivalent vaccine offer protection?

The quadrivalent vaccine has the same strains as the trivalent vaccine plus one additional B strain of influenza. Some facts about influenza B strains: The B strain has been directly linked to epidemics that have occurred every 2 to 4 years

Influenza B virus represented up to 44% of circulating strains during 2001–2002 and 2010–2011 (excluding the 2009–2010 pandemic)

On average, influenza–associated hospitalization and mortality rates are higher with type B influenza than with type A

The impact of circulating B strains is greater in children and young adults

Is there a difference between the flu shot that I get at my doctor's office and the ones offered at CVS Pharmacy?