TAMPA, Fla — Cold and flu season is just around the corner, even in Florida where temperatures are still topping 90 degrees.
The Florida Department of Health recommends everyone receive a flu shot, unless you are allergic to the shot. Getting vaccinated will help prevent you from catching the flu virus or lessen the severity of symptoms.
Doctors say you should get a flu shot now because it takes up to three weeks before you are fully protected.
RELATED: Study finds flu shot may be more effective than nasal vaccine
Most insurance companies will completely cover the cost of a flu shot because it is considered preventative care, but not everyone has that option.
One of the cheapest places to pay out of pocket for a flu shot is at any Costco Pharmacy. You do not need to be a Costco member. The cost is just $19.99.
Publix pharmacies in Florida offer the flu shot for around $30 for the standard vaccine. For a limited time the grocery chain will give you a $10 gift card with a flu shot.
CVS (including the pharmacies it operates in Target stores) charges $40 out of pocket for the regular flu shot. You will receive a $5 Target gift card for getting the shot. CVS ExtraCare members will also receive $5 off coupon via email.
Sam’s Club warehouse stores offer the standard flu shot for $30, no membership is required.
Walmart is offering regular flu shots for $34.99 out of pocket, but the cost is reduced to just $24 if you use the free coupon available in the GoodRx app.
Walgreens is offering standard flu shots for around $40.
The flu shot may also be free through your primary care provider, but you may be required to pay for the office visit.
You can see locations near you that offer the flu shot by visiting vaccinefinder.org.
The Florida Department of Health also offers Adult immunizations on a fee for service basis:
- $33.00 for adults
- $59.00 for the high dose (typically needed for seniors)
Vaccines for Children Program (VFC)
The VFC Program offers vaccines at no cost for eligible children. Children through 18 years of age who meet at least one of the following criteria are eligible to receive VFC vaccine:
- Medicaid-eligible
- Uninsured
- American Indian or Alaska native
- Underinsured
Parents should bring identification and insurance card visit. Children whose health insurance covers the cost of vaccinations are not eligible for VFC vaccines. Children enrolled in the Florida KidCare Program, including MediKids and the Healthy Kids program, are insured and therefore not eligible to receive VFC vaccines.
Eligible children receive no cost vaccines through the Vaccines for Children Program.
ADULT IMMUNIZATIONS AT HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFICES
Appointments - Appointments are the preferred method to receive adult immunizations. To schedule an appointment, call you county health department. You can find the phone number by clicking here.
Walk-ins - Walk-in adult immunization services are available Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on a first come, first serve basis and will be provided within staffing levels. Appointments for kids are not necessary.
