Where to Get a Free Flu Shot in 2026: CVS, Walgreens and Top Pharmacy Deals
As the temperatures start dropping and the leaves start falling (at least in some places), many people are looking forward to pumpkin spice, Halloween and the winter holidays. But along with colder weather comes something much less fun: winter illness. Yep, flu season is, once again, upon us.
Getting the flu vaccine is important to protect yourself from the flu while lessening the likelihood of severe illness if you do catch it.
The good news: Getting vaccinated doesn’t have to be expensive. Here’s where to get a flu shot for cheap or free — plus where you could actually snag flu shot deals after getting your vaccine.
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Where to Get Cheap or Free Flu Shots
The annual flu vaccine can help protect you from getting the flu and reduce the severity if you do contract it.
The CDC recommends flu shots annually for everyone 6 months and older.
Although September and October are the ideal times to get vaccinated, the CDC notes that you can get a vaccine so long as the flu virus is circulating — flu season doesn’t officially end until around April or May.
If you have health insurance, you’ll likely be able to get a free flu shot. But even if you don’t have insurance, you can still find affordable — and sometimes free — options.
Ready to protect yourself from the influenza virus? Here’s where to go for your shot.
1. Local Retailers, Grocery Stores and Pharmacies
Many places you already shop offer free flu shots, and some pharmacies and stores will even throw in a special deal or coupon to save money on a future purchase.
Just by showing your insurance card, you can get a free shot. If you don’t have insurance, you can typically get the shot for around $60 for seniors and $20 for anyone else at the following businesses:
Albertsons
If you shop regularly at Albertsons, you can get your flu shot during your next grocery visit. Appointments are available, but walk-ins are welcome as well. Plus, you’ll earn 10% off groceries, up to a $20 value, for getting the vaccine at Albertsons.
Costco
You don’t need to be a member of the warehouse club to use a Costco pharmacy. Walk-ins are welcome or you can book an appointment online.
CVS
Get your flu shot at CVS pharmacy or its Minute Clinic. Through Dec. 31, 2026, CVS is offering a $5 coupon off any shopping trip of $20 or more when you get a flu shot at one of its locations. Walk-ins are welcome, and you can book up to four people with an online appointment.
Hy-Vee
Get your annual flu vaccination at Hy-Vee and you’ll receive 20 cents off per gallon of gas. You can walk in or schedule onine.
Kroger
You can make an appointment or walk in to get a flu shot at Kroger Health’s pharmacies or Little Clinics. Vaccines are available seven days a week with weeknight hours.
Publix
The grocery chain welcomes walk-up flu shot appointments at its in-store pharmacies, or you can schedule online. If you’re a Publix Pharmacy account holder, you can get a $5 digital gift card after you receive your free flu shot.
Safeway
In addition to getting a free flu shot with most insurance plans, you get 10% off your next grocery purchase for up to $20 in total savings. Some Safeway locations also offer drive-up flu shot clinics.
Sam’s Club
Flu shots are available at Sam’s Club locations with no Sam’s Club membership necessary. If you are a member, you can get $10 off your next shopping trip when you receive your flu vaccine at Sam’s Club.
Target
Stop by a CVS pharmacy at Target — walk in or schedule an appointment. Flu shots are free with most insurance plans, and you can get a $5 coupon off any shopping trip of $20 or more when you get a flu shot at one of its locations.
Walgreens
Get your free flu shot at Walgreens with most insurance plans. You can either walk in or schedule an appointment at the pharmacy chain. If you’re a myWalgreens member, you can earn $15 Walgreens Cash rewards on your next in-store purchase of $5 or more plus 10% Walgreens Cash rewards on eligible in-store purchases for 30 days when you get vaccinated here.
Walmart
The big box chain is offering low-cost and free flu shots at its 4,600+ locations nationwide. You can book up to four people under one appointment.
2. Your Doctor and Urgent Care Clinics
If you have health insurance, you can get a free flu shot at a variety of places, including your doctor and urgent care clinics.
While the shot may be free, the office visit may not be — check before you make an appointment or show up at a clinic.
3. Your Workplace
Many employers offer free flu shots to their employees as a benefit or perk each year. If you haven’t seen any emails or flyers around the office, it doesn’t hurt to ask your human resources department if your company would sponsor an on-site flu vaccination.
Getting vaccinated at work makes it easier to fit it into your schedule, which means more people in your office may decide to get the flu shot this year.
4. Your College Campus
If you’re a college student attending classes on campus, there’s a good chance your college may offer flu shots at no cost. Most times, all you’ll need is your student ID.
To see whether your college is offering free flu shots, contact the health center.
5. Community Health Centers
Community-based health centers are available in areas with limited access to affordable health care services. They provide services regardless of a patients’ ability to pay and charge for services on a sliding scale.
Depending on where you live, your local health department may offer free flu shot clinics, regardless of your insurance status.
6. VA Health Centers
If you’re a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system, you can get a no-cost flu shot at a VA health care facility or an in-network retail pharmacy or urgent care location near you. Just present a valid, government-issued identification and your Community Care Pharmacy Billing Card.
Ohio-based contributor Catherine Hiles writes about finance, cars, pet ownership and parenting for The Penny Hoarder. Senior managing editor Tiffany Wendeln Connors updated this post for September 2026.
