FLU SEASON ON A BUDGET

WHERE TO GET LOW-COST OR FREE VACCINES

Getting the flu often means getting sick. You may end up with a fever, chills, sore throat and more. Some people who get the flu may even develop life-threatening complications. Your best line of defense against coming down with the flu? Getting a flu vaccination (flu shot).

WHY IS A FLU SHOT SO IMPORTANT?

A flu shot not only helps protect you from getting the flu, but it also reduces your chances of spreading the flu to other people—especially people who are more vulnerable to becoming ill, such as babies, the elderly, or those with chronic health conditions like diabetes. Getting the flu shot can also reduce the severity. If you still happen to get the flu, you will reduce the risk of ending up in the hospital.

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months old and up should receive the flu shot every year.

IS THE FLU SHOT SAFE IF I’M PREGNANT?

Yes, the flu shot is safe if you’re pregnant—and the CDC recommends that if you’re pregnant during flu season, you can get a flu shot no matter what trimester you’re in.

Changes to your body during pregnancy can make you more likely to become seriously ill from the flu, but the flu shot can help prevent that. According to the CDC, if you’re pregnant, the flu shot lowers your chances of being hospitalized with the flu by about 40%.

Getting the flu shot while pregnant can also help protect your baby from the flu for several months after birth, while your baby is still too young to get the flu shot. That’s because the antibodies that develop from the vaccine pass through to your baby through the placenta before birth and through breast milk after birth.

Important note: If you’re pregnant, make sure you get the flu shot and NOT the nasal spray flu vaccine, which isn’t recommended for pregnant women.

HOW MUCH DOES A FLU SHOT COST WITHOUT INSURANCE?

If you don’t have insurance, the cost of the flu shot varies depending on where you go and the kind of shot you need. (Flu shots for people 65 and older are more expensive than flu shots for younger people.)

Usually, the costs for paying for a flu shot out of your own pocket range from $20 to $65 for a standard vaccine and $50-$110 for the vaccine for adults 65 and older.

WHERE CAN I GET A LOW-COST FLU SHOT?

You can get a low-cost flu shot through STAR Community Health. We provide a full range of vaccines, including the flu shot, to help keep our community healthy year-round.

In order to provide affordable services for all, our financial counselors offer a sliding fee discount program, which is based on family income and size. Please visit our website to find out more about program eligibility and how to apply.

Important note: To receive a flu shot, you must be a patient (no walk-ins) and request an appointment.

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FREE FLU SHOTS FOR KIDS

If you have children, they may be eligible for free flu shots provided by Vaccines for Children (VFC), through STAR Community Health.

VFC is a federally funded program that provides free vaccines to children 18 or younger who are either underinsured, uninsured or eligible for Medicaid.

Learn more

PHARMACY COSTS FOR A FLU SHOT

A flu shot through the sliding fee program at STAR Community Health may cost you between $10 and $30, which is a much more affordable option than a flu shot from a local pharmacy. Check out the chart below to see how much you’d pay for a flu shot, without insurance, from area pharmacies.

Please Note: All costs are approximate and may vary by location.