Free Flu Shots - Schedule Flu Shot Appointments | Walgreens

The flu, or influenza, is a contagious illness that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It’s not the same as a cold—it tends to hit suddenly and can range from mild to very serious, even leading to hospitalization or, in rare cases, death.

Common symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Children may also experience vomiting or diarrhea. Older adults (65+), young kids, and people with certain health conditions are more likely to have complications. The most effective way to help protect yourself each year is by getting a flu shot.

The “flu shot” is a vaccine that protects you from the flu virus. It is inactivated, which means it contains a killed version of the virus, so it cannot cause disease, and is most commonly given as an injection (with a needle) in the arm.

This season’s vaccine opens a page in new tab protects against three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. This includes two influenza A subtype viruses (H1N1 and H3N2-like) and an influenza type B virus.

The vaccine takes effect approximately two weeks after it has been administered as antibodies (substances in the blood that protect against infection) are made by your body to help provide protection against influenza. This means you may be susceptible to influenza during the two weeks after your flu shot and therefore, it is important to get a flu shot before the flu begins to circulate in your area.

The flu shot will not 100% eliminate the risk of getting the flu. However, if you do get the flu after getting the vaccine, data suggests your flu symptoms may be milder and your risk of complications can be reduced. Getting the flu shot can also protect others around you who are vulnerable but may not be able to get the vaccine for a variety of reasons.

The CDC recommends everyone age 6 months and older get a flu shot every flu season, including those are who healthy or have health conditions. Walgreens offers flu shots for ages 3+. It’s recommended that anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu should be vaccinated. It’s especially important for certain people to get vaccinated, such as those who are at high risk of developing serious complications, like pneumonia, if they get sick with the flu. This includes:

• People who have certain medical conditions including asthma, weakened immune systems, diabetes and chronic heart or lung disease

• Pregnant women

• People ages 65+

• People who live with or care for others who are at high risk for developing serious complications. This includes household contacts and caregivers of people with certain medical conditions, including asthma, diabetes, chronic lung disease and others.

• According to a CDC analysis opens a page in new tab of flu hospitalization data, people from certain racial and ethnic minority groups, including non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native, and Hispanic or Latino people

The flu shot should not be given to:

• Children younger than 6 months of age
• People with severe, life-threatening allergies to the flu shot or any ingredient in the vaccine. This might include gelatin, antibiotics or other ingredients.

Certain individuals should not be vaccinated without first consulting a healthcare professional. These patients include:

• People who had Guillain-Barré syndrome (a severe paralyzing illness, also called GBS) within six weeks of getting the flu vaccine previously
• People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever, including those with COVID-19, should wait until they recover before getting a flu shot

Adults age 65+ opens a page in new tab have a higher risk for developing complications from the flu and account for 50-70% of the flu-related hospitalizations each year. Recent studies show that people age 65+ may not respond as well to standard-dose flu shots because they may not produce as high of an antibody response following vaccination as do younger people. People with low antibody levels may be at higher risk of catching the flu.

While adults age 65+ may receive a standard flu shot, there are vaccines intended to help produce a stronger immune response for people with a possibly weaker immune system, which Walgreens offers. Like the standard flu shot, (which Walgreens also offers) these vaccines are given as an injection in the arm and the side effects are similar, though some patients may experience increased pain, redness or swelling around the injection site compared to standard-dose flu vaccines.

The CDC recommends opens a page in new tab that people get the flu shot before the flu is widespread by late fall. The peak flu season is typically October to March in the U.S., but people should receive their vaccine as long as the virus is circulating. People should get their flu shot every flu season to ensure the best protection from the flu for themselves and others.

It is important to note that you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Minor side effects that could occur are:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
• Fever (low grade)
• Aches

If these side effects occur, they begin soon after the shot and usually last 1 to 2 days. Over-the-counter products may be recommended to manage minor side effects. Most people who receive influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it.

All Walgreens retail locations administer the flu shot. 

Our licensed pharmacists, pharmacy interns and trained technicians administer flu shots in all Walgreens pharmacies.

The flu shot is covered by most insurance plans, with a $0 copay, although provider networks may vary–check with your insurance provider to determine if the flu shot is covered under your plan. Those enrolled in Medicare Part B and many with Medicaid in certain states may also receive the flu shot at no cost.*

*Varies by state. See pharmacy for details.

Our pre-filled vaccine syringes do not contain thimerosal.