The 2012 winter flu season is being called the worst in many years. The CDC is expected to provide an update on the epidemic on Friday. Shortages are periodically being reported across the country.
Every year in the fall, I call around my local pharmacies to see if the flu shot is in stock. I also ask about prices and if they accept insurance (in which case they would be free). Last year, I found a local family pharmacy to be the cheapest, at $25 and an urgent care facility, to be the most expensive, at $40.
Most chain store pharmacies like Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Duane Reade etc., supermarket pharmacies like Shop Rite, A&P and big box retailers like Wal Mart and Target offer flu shots. The price range for flu shots at most appear stores to be $28-40.
Many local hospitals and senior centers also offer free flu shots starting in October. Such information is usually available on the City Hall website. Large employers often offer flu shots as well, although it is typically offered on only one day.
You can always go to your general physician and get a flu shot. Your charge will most likely be your co-pay ($5-30), unless you time it with your free annual well-visit. As long as you do not ask the doctor questions regarding other illnesses (which may cause they to bill as an office visit versus a well visit), most pediatric patients do not have to pay a co-pay for well-visits, like a flu shot.
If you have insurance or Medicare Part B, your flu shot may actually be free! Wal Mart has a list of approved insurances. For example, if you have Blue Cross, your out of pocket expense will be zero. Walgreens also accepts several insurance plans, including Cigna. However, many CVS locations use a third party provider (Minute Clinic), which is usually considered out of network by insurances, and therefore you will be charged.
Remember, if the provider hands you a reimbursement form, chances are that the amount to be reimbursed will be lower than your out of network deductible, in which case you will be responsible for the entire amount.
Information on the seasonal flu vaccine and mist is available at the CDC website.
