Flu season is officially here, and there's no better time to protect yourself than right now. The CDC has urged all Americans to get their influenza vaccines before Halloween. The shot could lower your risk by 40 to 60 percent, and health officials are hoping that it will decrease the number of flu-related hospitalizations in the 2018-2019 season.
Last year, only 43 percent of Americans received their annual flu shot. In an effort to increase that percentage, many pharmacies and in-store clinics are offering free flu shots to people who are covered by health insurance. Some places are even offering extra incentives like coupons and gift cards just for getting vaccinated with them.
If you still haven't gotten your flu shot, here are some of the places you can go for a free or discounted one if you have insurance. Make sure to get it done by October 31 to maximize your protection.
Don't have insurance? You can still get vaccinated without spending much. Costco offers its members flu shots for $19.99. The second best options are probably at Walgreens for $40.99, Target for $39.99 or at Walmart Care Clinics for $39.84. Although you might cringe at spending that kind of money on a shot you don't have to get, keep in mind that Tamiflu could cost upwards of $200 without insurance. You're better off biting this bullet upfront.
Have you gotten vaccinated yet? Do you recommend one pharmacy over another? Let us know in the comments.