How Much Will A Flu Vaccine Cost?

By Julie Stachowiak, PhD
Multiple Sclerosis Guide; Guest blogger

I have been asking around about H1N1 (swine flu) influenza vaccines recently to see where they might be offered and how much they might cost. I was told at my local Costco that "they would be free of charge if we were offering them, but we aren't going to get any." I was told by my general practitioner that "they are free, but you will be charged a small administration fee of $25." She went on to tell me that I probably wouldn't be able to get one, anyway, as they weren't even sure how many that they were getting, but probably they would have to give them to "kids and people with diabetes and asthma first," which would probably use up their shipment.

I paid $25 dollars to get the seasonal flu vaccine (the injection) at my daughters' pediatrician's office, who is nice enough to give them to the whole family. I have also seen the seasonal flu shot offered at local pharmacies for $25 to $30, as well. Some grocery stores and pharmacies are offering limited numbers of vaccines free of charge to people who are unemployed.

From all of the information that I have been able to gather, state health departments will be offering the H1N1 vaccine free of charge, as will many schools. However, I have been unable to find out when this might happen or where exactly the vaccine will be given.

To find out where the flu shot (or possibly FluMist) for H1N1 or seasonal flu is being offered for free in your city, check out the following article: Find a Free Flu Shot Clinic. I will add that it is important to check the date of the articles that come up carefully, as well as confirm that the type of vaccine offered is the type that you are looking for (FluMist or shot, H1N1 or seasonal flu).